Prevention is not only about check-ups. Small daily habits, repeated over years, can lower the risk of many chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. You do not need to change everything at once; one manageable step at a time works well.
- Move more: the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week for most adults, such as brisk walking.
- Eat mostly whole foods, with plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and legumes.
- Aim for seven or more hours of sleep a night, as the CDC advises for adults.
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol.
Staying current with vaccines and recommended screenings is also part of prevention. A doctor can help you decide where to start, particularly if you have health conditions or a family history of disease.
