 You are responsible, in large part, for managing your own preventive care. Your primary-care practitioner should be your partner. There are other important preventive measures not listed on our chartthe kind of commonsense steps that could save millions of medical dollars and prevent injury, illness, disability, and premature death. Here's a checklist: Don't smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Get regular exercise. Brisk walking for just half an hour every day can be a big factor in weight control and in staying healthy.
Choose a diet low in animal fat and sodium, and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Eat at least two servings of fish a week.
Keep alcohol consumption moderate: no more than one drink daily for a woman, two drinks for a man. If you are a heavy drinker, seek counseling, and cut back or quit.
Do self-exams of your breasts or testes, as well as skin.
Fasten seat belts, see that kids ride in proper restraints, and obey the law. Drive sober and defensively.
Brush and floss to prevent dental disease.
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