It’s essential to make your health a priority in life. It’s easy to get busy taking care of your family and friends, but don’t neglect yourself in the process. Here are four steps to make sure you establish good health habits.

1. Schedule Annual Wellness Appointments 

It’s vital that women have yearly checks with a gynecologist or women’s health doctor. These appointments check for STDs and cancer, as well as investigate any reproductive concerns. If you don’t have insurance or a doctor you are comfortable with, there may be a free women’s clinic Iowa near you.

In addition to seeing a woman’s health doctor, it’s necessary to visit your primary health physician each year, too. These appointments are good opportunities to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, vitamin levels and weight. Sometimes doctors diagnose problems early, which allows for rapid treatment. Having a good relationship with your doctor also makes it easier for them to diagnose you when you do have a health concern because they are already familiar with your medical history.

2. Make Exercise a Habit

Physical activity is a vital part of staying healthy. It helps you manage your weight, keeps your heart strong and lowers stress levels.  Developing this habit when you are young sets you up for continuing throughout your life. A goal of 20-30 minutes of swimming, biking, running or walking a few times a week gives you positive results. Weight lifting is also a good exercise to add to your routine because it prevents bone density problems as you age, strengthens your core muscles which helps prevent injuries and increases your metabolism.

3. Get Enough Sleep

To keep stress levels low and decrease mental exhaustion, get at least seven hours of rest at night. Sleep is a time for your body to recover from the day. This recovery takes place in the deepest level of sleep called REM. Getting plenty of rest is necessary to ensure you have enough time in that level of slumber. If you have trouble getting to sleep, give yourself some downtime from electronics and exercise at least an hour before bed. Instead, do things that help your brain and body relax. A few ideas include reading, yoga and journal writing.

4. Eat Smartly

If you want to lose weight, it’s better to choose the right foods instead of fad diets. Fill your daily meals with fruits and vegetables, and include a lean protein such as chicken breast, white fish or beans. When you focus on adding more healthy foods to your plate, you find there is less room for poor choices such as processed carbohydrates and sugar. Drinking a minimum of eight cups of water each day helps with weight loss, keeps you hydrated and feeling full.

Focusing on your wellbeing doesn’t have to be complicated. Taking small steps each day makes a big impact long-term. Focusing on eating nutritious foods, getting some exercise each day, sleeping well, and regularly following up with your doctor are essential steps to take for a long and healthy life.

What are your favorite tips for maintaining good health?

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