Trying to lose weight? Be careful not to lose muscle
Is your skin problem actually an autoimmune condition?
People with diabetes face higher risk of hearing loss
Antibiotic-free fixes for recurrent UTIs
Musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause: When menopause makes you ache all over
When can older women stop getting mammograms?
To lose weight, especially harmful belly fat, combine diet and exercise
Can men hold off on treating recurring prostate cancer?
The 7 types of rest and why we need them all
What are the early warning signs of cervical cancer?
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
Staying Healthy
Taking your core workout to the next level
Staying Healthy
Traditional tai chi elements
Staying Healthy
Standing tai chi calisthenics
Harvard Health Blog
Real-life healthy dinners (for real people with real busy lives)
Child & Teen Health
7 ways to prevent holiday stress — for your children
Staying Healthy
Six tips for safe strength training
Heart Health
Heart failure and potassium
Staying Healthy
Find the weight-loss plan that works for you
Harvard Health Blog
Self-care: 4 ways to nourish body and soul
Harvard Health Blog
Are sprouted grains more nutritious than regular whole grains?
Mind & Mood
Ramp up your resilience!
Heart Health
Overweight vs overfat: Is your scale lying to you?
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
Sign Up