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?
How does Ozempic work? Understanding GLP-1s for diabetes, weight loss, and beyond
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
Nutrition
Eating high-quality carbohydrates may stave off middle-age weight gain
Staying Healthy
Toothbrushing tied to lower pneumonia rates in hospitalized patients
Exercise & Fitness
Two workout strategies that reduce cardiovascular disease risk
Pain
Is that dental pain an emergency?
Exercise & Fitness
An easier way to do high-intensity interval training
Staying Healthy
Green poop: What stool color can indicate about health
Staying Healthy
Should you try the keto diet?
Katherine D. McManus, MS, RD, LDN
What is a plant-based diet and why should you try it?
Mind & Mood
Managing intrusive thoughts
Staying Healthy
The A list of B12 foods
Heart Health
11 foods that lower cholesterol
Harvard Women's Health Watch
Taking aim at belly fat
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
Sign Up
