Eat not just to satisfy hunger but to be as healthy and vigorous as possible
Pray or meditate, or simply learn how to relax. People who habitually take time for quiet contemplation and spiritual renewal gain the additional benefits of lessened stress and a lowered heart rate.
Be sociable. Talking with a friend or relative can do a lot to relieve stress.
Install and maintain smoke detectors. Most deaths from fire occur in the home. You can reduce your risk by installing smoke detectors, one outside each bedroom, and an additional detector on each level of the house
Check the location of the exits whenever you go to a restaurant, theater, hotel, or other public place. Fires create panic and confusion; you can save precious minutes if you have already observed the quickest way out.
Learn to control your anger and discharge it appropriately. Venting your anger at your family will only create bad feelings and make your home life worse. Remember that chronically angry people are at greater risk for heart disease than calmer folk. Hiking, jogging, and swimming can help to dispel anger. So can listening to soothing music.
If you’ve never thought of protecting yourself from the sun, it’s time to start. Wear a hat and use sunscreen.
Learn how to swim or how to perform a technique called drown-proofing
Learn your family’s health history. Many diseases are hereditary. If you discover that a particular illness “runs in the family,” your doctor will be better able to monitor your health
Follow your doctor’s instructions. Take all medications as prescribed .
Set up a schedule for any medical tests, including self-examinations, you should have on a regular basis
Get immunized. If you’re over 65, or if you have certain chronic health conditions, you should get an annual flu shot and a one-time pneumococcal vaccine shot. Check with your doctor to see if you need them.
Know the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke .
Keep a well-stocked emergency medical kit in an accessible place .
Learn the basics of first aid. These include the Heimlich maneuver for choking. Don’t just learn how to help others; find out how to perform the maneuver on yourself as well.
Have your house tested for radon, an invisible gas that can cause lung cancer. You should also have your water tested for lead.