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Tag: healthy habits

Annual physical exam checklist for adults: A guide to yearly checkups

Seeing your primary care provider for an annual physical exam is an important step in protecting your health. Regular preventive checkups give your provider a chance to identify health issues you may have before they become serious, when they’re easier to treat. Keeping a few simple tips in mind—and following our physical exam checklist for adults—can help you get the most from your exam.

How to lose 15 pounds: Science-backed tips for weight loss

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If you have ever tried to lose weight, you know how hard it can be. While fad diets may lead to temporary weight loss, the most effective way to lose weight—and keep it off—is to eat a healthy diet, stay active, and take steps to manage stress. In addition to helping you control your weight, making healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle can improve your mental health and protect your overall well-being.

12 superfoods for a healthy diet

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While no single food offers all the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy and prevent diseases, superfoods are nutrient-rich natural foods that can promote a healthier lifestyle. Some superfoods are associated with heart health, while others can help improve your immune system, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, or prevent cancer. If you’re looking for foods with exceptional nutrient density that may deliver health benefits, here are a dozen superfoods to add to your grocery list.

12 ways to exercise without going to the gym

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Physical activity is good for your body and mind, but it’s hard to find time to exercise when you’re busy. And not everyone likes to go to the gym. As a result, less than a quarter of U.S. adults get the exercise they need. If you’re trying to be more active, it’s time to change the way you think about what qualifies as exercise. Here are some tips to help you get fit without setting foot on a treadmill or picking up a dumbbell.

Can healthy habits reduce your risk of depression?

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Many factors play a role in the risk of developing depression. Although we can’t change our genetics, making healthy lifestyle choices can have a positive effect on both our physical and mental well-being. In fact, lifestyle may play a more significant role than genetic risk factors for depression. Researchers have identified seven healthy lifestyle habits that can help protect your long-term mental health and well-being.

Processed foods to avoid for your health

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No one expects you to eat a healthy diet 100 percent of the time, but ultra-processed foods like fried chicken, potato chips, and pastries can cause spikes in your blood-sugar levels and lead to weight gain and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While these foods appeal to our eyes and taste good, they offer little nutritional value. Incorporating more nutritious, wholesome foods into your meals can help you feel more energetic throughout the day and lower your risk for chronic diseases.

How much exercise do you need to stay healthy?

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Regular physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle. However, only about one in five adults in the U.S. gets enough exercise to be healthy. Being inactive and sitting too much raises your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The good news is that even small amounts of physical activity can help improve your health. Whether you’re looking to reduce your risks of chronic medical conditions or improve your quality of life, making regular physical activity part of your lifestyle can help you achieve your health goals.

6 reasons to get an annual checkup

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Annual checkups are essential to your ongoing health. Even if you feel well, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor once a year. If your doctor gets to know you when you’re healthy, you are more likely to receive better care if you get sick. A checkup, sometimes called a physical exam, is also the perfect time to ask questions about your health and discuss changes you can make for a healthier lifestyle. Here are six reasons to schedule your annual checkup today.

7 relaxation techniques to reduce stress

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Stress is an unavoidable part of life. Over time, chronic stress can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, weaken your immune system, and harm both your physical and mental health. While you may be tempted to binge-watch TV or scroll through social media on your phone at the end of a long day, staring at a screen does little to reduce the damaging effects of stress on your mind and body. Practicing relaxation techniques is a much healthier and more effective way to reduce stress.

10 high-protein, low-calorie snacks that keep you full

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Choosing healthy, protein-rich snacks can keep you feeling full for longer and prevent you from overeating between meals. When your stomach starts to complain, it’s easy to reach for a granola bar or a bag of corn chips, but processed, low-nutrient snacks can cause your insulin and blood sugar levels to fluctuate, which makes you hungrier. Choosing nutrient-rich, high-protein foods is the smarter way to snack.

High-fiber diets: Easy ways to get the fiber you need

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Dietary fiber can improve digestive health and bowel function, and eating foods high in fiber can lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Fiber also helps lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels, and because it keeps you feeling full, a high-fiber diet can help you to lose weight. Despite the many health benefits, most Americans don’t eat enough fiber. Here are some tips for adding more fiber to your diet.

9 health benefits of strength training

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Strength training is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. As we age, lean muscle mass diminishes, while body fat rises. Strength training can help you build muscle, reduce body fat, and burn calories more efficiently. An exercise routine that combines cardiovascular activities, such as walking or swimming, with strength training can enhance both your physical and mental well-being.

9 healthy eating tips for busy people

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Healthy eating is challenging when you’re busy. It requires preparation and planning, but maintaining healthy eating habits is easier than you may think—and the rewards are well worth it. Eating a nutritious diet can help improve your health, boost your energy and immune system, reduce stress, and protect your overall well-being. If work and other responsibilities keep you busy, following nine simple tips can help you create a healthy eating plan that fits your hectic schedule.

7 healthy New Year’s resolutions you can actually keep

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The beginning of a new year is a great time to make healthy lifestyle changes, give up bad habits, and improve your well-being. It’s no wonder that many Americans celebrate the New Year by resolving to get healthier. The most popular New Year’s resolutions include getting more exercise, losing weight, and eating a healthier diet. While only a small percentage of people actually keep their resolutions, here are some steps you can take to get healthier in the year ahead and achieve your health goals.

5 tips for a safe and healthy summertime

Summer is filled with fun outdoor activities that make the most of the long, lazy days and warm weather. Whether you’re heading to the beach, enjoying a picnic in a park, going fishing, or taking the kids on a bike ride, stay safe and healthy with our summer safety tips for the whole family.

How to quit smoking: 5 tips to help you resist tobacco cravings

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Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Smokeless tobacco causes cancer of the mouth and can lead to nicotine addiction. If you use tobacco, you know you should quit. In fact, most adults who smoke cigarettes want to quit. And most adults who smoked cigarettes in the past have successfully quit. If you’ve tried quitting but started smoking or chewing tobacco again, a solid plan can improve your chances of quitting for good.

Creative ways to add more fruits and veggies to your diet

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The best way to get all of the nutrients you need each day is to brighten your plate with fruits and vegetables. Eating a rainbow of colorful foods adds flavor and texture to your meals, along with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Most are naturally low in calories and contain essential nutrients that can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses. If fruits and veggies aren’t your thing, you can still sneak them into your meals.

Exercising at home: Easy exercises for couch potatoes

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Many of us spend a lot of time each day sitting in front of a screen. Sitting for long periods of time can take a toll on your health, especially if you sit for more than eight hours a day with little or no physical activity. Fortunately, moderate exercise can counter the negative health effects of too much sitting. That’s why it’s important for people of all ages and abilities to be as active as possible—no gym membership required.

Screen time: How much is too much?

Screens are everywhere these days. From apps and video games to TV, video conferences, and online classes, screen time adds up. More than ever, we connect to the outside world through screens. As a result, managing screen use—for children and adults—can be a challenge. Too much screen time can increase the risk of obesity, interfere with sleep, and prevent the development of healthy relationships. That’s why it’s important to find a healthy balance between screen time and offline time away from the digital world.

10 ways to stop viruses from spreading and avoid getting sick

Viruses are spread in many different ways, including through close contact between people and through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Some viruses can live on surfaces for 24 hours or longer. We can accidentally spread these infectious agents by touching doorknobs, railings, mobile devices, surfaces, and other items. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to prevent the spread of viruses and avoid contagious diseases.

Fitting in fitness: Sneaky ways to make time for exercise

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The health benefits of exercise are endless. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health. It can help prevent cancer and decrease your risk of everything from heart disease and stroke to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, and even dementia. And that’s just the beginning.

Healthy snacks you can eat without gaining weight

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Snacking gets a bad rap, but it can actually help you maintain a healthy weight—and even lose weight—as long as you pay attention to the types of foods you snack on and make smart choices. Eating smaller meals and snacks about every three hours or so can help maintain more stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. And, it can help you avoid extreme hunger so you don’t overeat at lunch or dinner.