HOW TO ATTAIN OPTIMAL HEALTH

Good health is often a result of putting forth the effort to attain and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Being healthy is a lifelong commitment and requires great discipline. Having good health encompasses addressing multiple dimensions of health simultaneously. Once you reach and maintain a level of optimal health, you will likely have a stronger immune system and be less affected by diseases and stressors.

Step 1

Eat a healthy diet composed of all food groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, advises you to eat a diet primarily composed of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eating lean proteins should be a part of the diet as well; however, proteins may contain significant amounts of fat and calories, so they should be eaten in moderation. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends eating 2 cups of fruit, 2 ½ to 3 cups of vegetables and 3 oz. of whole grains each day.

Step 2

Limit additional types of foods that offer little nutritional value. For example, sugar, salt, fat and alcohol should be consumed in moderation.

Step 3

Exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes each day, recommends the CDC. Physical exercise helps you to maintain a healthy weight and keeps you active. Aim to complete a combination of cardiovascular and strength training. Cardiovascular activity strengthens the heart and increases endurance. Strength training tones and strengthens muscles.

Step 4

Sleep an adequate number of hours each night. On average, most people need between 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night. It is also important to get the same amount or close to the same amount of sleep each night to establish a solid sleep pattern.

Step 5

Relieve stress in healthy ways. An inability to deal with stress may affect your immune system and cause you to be sick more often than unusual. Yoga techniques or deep-breathing exercises are easy to do and may be done practically anywhere at any time. Spend quality time with family and friends doing enjoyable activities.

Step 6

Visit your physician annually for examinations to assess your overall health and receive treatment recommendations. Even if you feel fine, it is important to have more comprehensive testing, such as blood tests or screenings, which may identify familial disorders or underlying conditions.