How to Invest in Your Health

Disability, sickness, hospitalizations--they all cost money and many of the common health issues that effect your life can be prevented or made less severe. Investing time, thought and planning in your health will save you money throughout your lifetime. Here are a few ways of doing that.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Find a way to relax. Stress has been identified as a major life risk factor, decreasing life expectancy and causing more episodes of illness. Finding a hobby, pastime, career or avocation that stimulates, relaxes and makes you happy is a crucial step in investing in yourself.
2. Lose a few pounds. Being overweight, even by a few pounds can cause health problems that can result in serious health issues. A moderate diet and exercise are key in losing weight.
3. Get checkups and routine tests regularly. Most life threatening illnesses and disease can be prevented if you have regular checkups, health screenings and tests. Cholesterol, mammograms, blood pressure and colon cancer are just a few of the tests and screenings that you regularly should schedule.
4. Don't smoke. Smoking is one of the leading causes of health issues in the United States causing preventable and serious illness and death.
5. Wear a seat belt. Many doctors say if people would do this one thing most serious disabilities and deaths during car accidents could be prevented.
6. Sleep at least 7 to 8 hours a night. Most adults do not get enough sleep. Too little sleep can cause weight gain, stress and depression.
7. Exercise aerobically at least 30 minutes, five days per week to increase the health of your heart. Exercising aerobically increases your heart rate. Low to moderate intensity movement strengthens your heart's ability to pump blood and helps your body burn fat.
8. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. People who eat this much fruit and vegetable daily weigh less, have stronger immune systems and healthier bodies overall.