Skip to main content

Tips and resources for healthier living

You have the power to change many things that affect your health and how long you live. Not smoking, eating well, getting enough exercise and limiting alcohol can help. Combining these steps along with a few other ones can help you feel better and be healthier in the long run.

Move your body

Move your body

One in four adults sits for more than eight hours a day. While a little rest and relaxation is fine, too much can be harmful for your health. Thirty minutes of physical movement every day can help lower your risk for serious health conditions. Even a short daily walk can make a big difference.
 

Staying active can also lower your risk of anxiety and depression and help you sleep better. 

Simple ways to move your body

Eat well

A healthy diet is vital for good health and nutrition. It can lower your risk for many chronic diseases, like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. And it can also help:
 

  • Give you nutrients you need for growth and repair

  • Boost your immunity and prevent diet-related illness

  • Keep your skin, teeth and eyes healthy

  • Give you the energy you need to keep active throughout the day

 

Eating different kinds of foods and using less salt, sugars and saturated fats are key. MyHealthfinder goes over the basics of healthy eating.

 

Making big changes to your diet can seem overwhelming. It may be better to start with a few smaller ones instead. Using MyPlate, you can learn how to create healthier eating habits at your own pace. Even the smallest changes to your eating habits can make a big difference for your health over time. 

 

Ways to add more fresh fruits and veggies to your meals 

Get regular health screenings

Get regular health screenings

Health screenings can detect disease when it’s most treatable. In many cases, they can also prevent or delay serious health problems that may develop if something is left unchecked.
 

Your health plan covers a wellness checkup once a year. Depending on your age, your primary care provider (PCP) and/or gynecologist may give you one or more of these screenings at your checkup:
 

Age 20 and up
 

  • Blood pressure screening 

  • Pelvic exam

  • Pap test and/or human papilloma virus (HPV) test (cervical cancer screening)

 

Age 45 and up
 

  • Mammogram (breast cancer screening)

  • Bone density screening 

  • Colon cancer screening

 

More about health screenings

 

Find out which health screenings you may need

Don’t smoke

Not smoking is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your health and the health of those around you. In fact, not smoking can add as much as 10 years to the length of your life. So it’s worth considering when you look at all the major benefits of quitting

 

How to quit if you smoke
 

Whether you smoke, vape or use other forms of nicotine, you can get help with quitting. It’s not easy, but with the right plan and support, you can reach your goal.  

Take a look at some of these resources that can help you get started:
 

More about quitting smoking

Check in with your mental and emotional health

Check in with your mental and emotional health

Mental health is more than just not having a mental illness. It is a big part of your overall health and affects your quality of life.
 

When you are mentally healthy, you enjoy your life and environment, and the people in it. You can be creative, learn, try new things and take risks. You are better able to cope with tough times in your personal and professional lives.
 

Self-care can play a role in managing your mental health. It can also help support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness. Check your plan’s coverage to see if it includes any behavioral health benefits you can use. 

 

Learn more about managing your mental health

 

Also of interest: