Many people do not pay much attention to their health until something bad happens. Sometimes it takes becoming sick to give us all a wakeup call and prompt us to step up our efforts to become more healthy. You do not have to wait until you get sick to try to live a longer, healthier life. Follow the tips below to help lengthen your life and stay in good health. You may be surprised at just how much your life can improve when you feel your best.

1. Get Regular Checkups.

Don’t wait until you get sick to see your doctor. Instead, be proactive about your health and prevent illness before it starts. Your doctor will be able to better keep track of your health history and see any changes that might indicate a problem. This way you can catch problems while they are still small and before they become bigger issues.
You should see your doctor at least once a year for checkups if you are under 50 and do not have any existing conditions. The National Institutes of Health recommend having your blood pressure checked every 2 years, more often if you have a history of high blood pressure. Men over the age of 34 are encouraged to have their cholesterol checked every 5 years. If you have risk factors for heart disease, it should be checked more often at an earlier age. Women should see their gynecologist every year to have a pap test. If you have had an irregular pap smear, your doctor may want to see you at least two times a year.

If you are 50 and over you may want to visit your doctor more often for any health issues you have. You should have your heart, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked at these appointments.

2. Quit Bad Habits and Establish Good Ones

At your checkup, your doctor can recommend steps for you to take in order to prevent problems in your health. We all know that eating a lot of junk food or smoking can have an adverse effect on our health. In our younger years, we may think we have all the time in the world to change these bad habits, but it is important to change them now before they have a chance to really do a number on our health.
Establish an exercise routine that you can do on a consistent basis. Exercise is important for your heart health, strengthening your muscles and your overall health. Choose a workout that you love to do and gets your heart pumping.

3. Reduce Stress

When you consider that 43% of all adults suffer with health conditions caused by stress, you can understand why it is so beneficial to reduce the amount of stress in your life. Stress is a contributing factor to many health problems including headaches, depression, anxiety, heart problems and high blood pressure.

A certain amount of stress is inevitable, but there are things you can do to reduce it. Find a hobby that you enjoy such as playing tennis, painting, crafting or any other number of activities and engage in it at least once a week. Yoga and meditation may also help you to learn skills to manage stress and reduce its negative effects on your health.

4. Find Your Soul Mate

Studies show that married people or people in a long-term relationship actually live longer than their single counterparts. This may have something to do with having someone there to look out for you to encourage you to live a healthier lifestyle. If you do get sick, your partner can care for you. Being married also may have an economic advantage when both partners are working. Being more economically secure can reduce stress and has been linked to living longer.

5. Socialize

Getting out and socializing with friends and family can keep your mind sharp and allow you to feel a sense of community and belonging. Socializing with others can reduce the risk of developing depression.

Many people find volunteering to be a great way to build relationships with others, especially in their older years. It also gives them a sense of being needed and satisfaction that they are helping others.

There really are no secrets to living a long, healthy life. Follow these five tips to help you get the most out of the life you live.

Author's Bio: 

Lauren Hill is a wife, mother and freelance writer. She enjoys her time spent writing on everyday subjects affecting the lives of everyday people. She is a contributing author for Solstice Medicine Company, a traditional Chinese herb company offering remedies for arthritis, digestion and immune system support.