5 Choices for Better Health

Last Updated December 14, 2021

The lifestyle choices you make can have a significant effect on your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), doing these five things can significantly lower your risk for the leading causes of death (heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke and unintentional injuries):

1. Eat a Healthy Diet.
Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Avoid saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars. Find ways to improve your eating habits.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight.
The CDC recommends a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9. Check your BMI.

3. Get Enough Physical Activity.
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. Get motivated and get started.

4. Don’t Use Tobacco.
Get help to quit with UBreathe (call 1-888-882-5462) or talk to your doctor.

5. Limit Alcohol Consumption.
Men should have no more than two drinks per day; women should have no more than one. Learn about the effects of alcohol on your health.