Well visits can help you stay healthy. Your doctor has checked your overall health and may have suggested
ways to take good care of yourself. Your doctor also may have recommended tests. You can help prevent illness
with healthy eating, good sleep, vaccinations, regular exercise, and other steps.
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Get the tests that you and your doctor decide on. Depending on your age and risks, examples
might include hearing tests as well as screening for colon, breast, and lung cancer. Screening helps
find diseases before any symptoms appear.
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Eat healthy foods. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy
foods. Limit saturated fat, and reduce salt.
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Limit alcohol. Men should have no more than 2 drinks a day. Women should have no more than 1.
For some people, no alcohol is the best choice.
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Exercise. It can help prevent falls. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the
week. Walking, yoga, and tai chi can be good choices.
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Reach and stay at your healthy weight. This will lower your risk for many health problems.
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Take care of your mental health. Try to stay connected with friends, family, and community,
and find ways to manage stress.
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If you're feeling depressed or hopeless, talk to someone. A counselor can help. If you don't
have a counselor, talk to your doctor.
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Talk to your doctor if you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use. This
includes prescription medicines and illegal drugs.
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Avoid tobacco and nicotine: Don't smoke, vape, or chew. If you need help quitting, talk to
your doctor.
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Practice safer sex. Getting tested, using condoms or dental dams, and limiting sex partners
can help prevent STIs.
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Make an advance directive. This is a legal way to tell your family and doctor what you want
to happen at the end of your life or when you can't speak for yourself.
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Prevent problems where you can. Protect your skin from too much sun, wash your hands, brush
your teeth twice a day, and wear a seat belt in the car.
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Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of
this information.