Mastitis: What to do when your breasts are painfully inflamed
How — and why — to fit more fiber and fermented food into your meals
UTI in older women: Why postmenopausal women are susceptible to urinary tract infection, and what to do about it
Can a routine vaccine prevent dementia?
Some adults may need a measles booster shot. Who should get one and why?
Less butter, more plant oils, longer life?
Healthier planet, healthier people
Counting steps is good — is combining steps and heart rate better?
Appendix pain: Could it be appendicitis?
Can saw palmetto treat an enlarged prostate?
Staying Healthy
Achieving and maintaining good health means adopting healthy lifestyle habits, from consuming nutritious foods and getting regular physical activity to prioritizing sleep and reducing stress.
Dietary patterns that are most closely linked to a longer, healthier life tend to focus on unprocessed or minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts as well as fish and healthy fats.
Physical activity can mean going for long walks, riding your bike, gardening, playing pickleball, or regularly participating in any activity you enjoy. Exercise lowers your risk for serious health problems, strengthens and tones your muscles, helps preserve independence, and boosts your mood.
Restorative sleep is similarly vital to your health and wellbeing, as is managing stress. Regular checkups, screening tests, and other preventive health measures are also important.
Over time, these efforts will pay dividends. You’ll be rewarded with more energy, improved mobility, less pain, a brighter outlook, and enhanced physical and mental health.
Related Articles
Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Why coffee might ease your pain (especially if you’re a sleepy mouse)
Harvard Health Blog
Could artificial sweeteners be bad for your brain?
Exercise & Fitness
Put some pep in your step!
Staying Healthy
A quick-start guide to the latest food terminology
Medications
Is your diet interfering with your medication regimen?
Heart Health
How to stick to a low-salt diet when dining out
Cholesterol
Is advanced lipoprotein testing useful?
Heart Attack
Do premature heart attacks run in your family?
Heart Health
Cashews: A better choice than low-fat chips?
Controlling Your Blood Pressure
As physical activity level rises, blood pressure may drop
Digestive Health
When does long-term acid reflux become a serious issue?
Alternative & Integrative Health
The finer points of acupuncture
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
Sign Up
