by Haley Whitewood

Created on: October 31, 2006   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

There are many things one can do to stay healthy.

1. Keep moving.
Research has shown that people who are physically active have much lower chances of getting a lot of things, from heart disease to the common cold to Alzheimers. People who keep their hearts pumping regularly can also ward off depression and stress. For maximum benefits: exercise at least 30 minutes three times a week.

2. Wash our hands.
Doctors and nurses agree that the best thing one can do to prevent sickness is not taking Vitamin C, but washing your hands. Wash your hands after using the restroom or touching items used by many people. The key is that you should massage your hands in antibacterial soap for at least 30 seconds to remove all the dirt and microorganisms.

3. Maintain a balanced diet.
Remember that french fries don't count as a serving of vegetables! Knowing what to eat and how much to eat is crucial in maintaining optimum health. Be aware of how many calories you are supposed to intake, how much a serving is (it's probably less than you think), and how many servings from each group is recommended per day. For help in this task, you can go to webmd.com

4. Brush your teeth and floss them, too!
It has been long known that brushing and flossing keep gingivitis away. Recent studies now suggest that the condition of your teeth can affect your eyesight, stomach health, and even your arteries! Bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and cause much more than bad breath. So, brush your teeth at least twice a day, don't forget to floss, and see your dentist for checkups twice a year.

5. Be happy!
First of all, slow down. Multitasking can lead to stress, which can develop into or aggrevate any health issues you may have. Take time to relax during the day and do things that you truly enjoy at least every once in a while.
Secondly, don't let anger or resentment dwell. It has been shown that people with tendencies toward anger or more likely to develop heart problems. They might not even live as long. So whatever's bothering you, vent it out! Take some time alone to just scream. A less intensive approach would be exercise or yoga.

6. Get checked.
This is very important. Even people who keep healthy lifestyles can become ill, so it is imperative you get physicals done at least once a year. If you are a woman, check yourself for breast cancer. Be aware of the symptoms of some common diseases, but don't worry too much.

Learn more about this author, Haley Whitewood.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.