
5 timeless habits for better health

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Is your breakfast cereal healthy?

When pain signals an emergency: Symptoms you should never ignore

Does exercise give you energy?

Acupuncture for pain relief: How it works and what to expect

How to avoid jet lag: Tips for staying alert when you travel

Biofeedback therapy: How it works and how it can help relieve pain

Best vitamins and minerals for energy

Should you take probiotics with antibiotics?
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
Try the hot trend in whole grains

Heart Health
Coping with statin side effects

Diseases & Conditions
Therapy beats drugs for chronic insomnia

Staying Healthy
Step lively with walking
Harvard Men's Health Watch
How much weight loss is cause for concern?

Women's Health
Is body mass index (BMI) still the best measure of body fat?

Women's Health
Why am I gaining weight?

Nutrition
6 suggestions for adding whole grains to your diet

Skin and Hair
Why suntanning is still a bad idea

Staying Healthy
How tough is your workout?

Women's Health
Let’s dance! How rhythmic motion can improve your health

Harvard Health Letter
How stress affects seniors, and how to manage it
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
Sign Up