Men's Health Week: Tips for Healthy Living Published June 6, 2007 By Center for Disease and Prevention Centers for Disease Control Los Angeles Air Force Base -- June 11 through 17 is Men's Health Week. Here are some tips on how you can start living healthier today provided by the LAAFB Health and Wellness Center. (These health tips really are for everyone!) Eat healthy. There may be some truth to the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." What you do (or don't) eat and drink can make a difference to your health. Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day and less saturated fat can help improve your health and may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is at an all-time high and the epidemic may be getting worse. Those who are obese have increased risks for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Speak to your healthcare provider about any health concerns to make sure you are on the right track to maintaining a healthy weight. Get Moving. More than 50 percent of American men do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. For adults, a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most (preferably all) days of the week is recommended. It doesn't take a lot of time of money, but it does take commitment. Start slowly, work up to a satisfactory level and don't overdo it. Find fun ways to stay in shape such as gardening, swimming or playing tennis. Be smoke-free. Health concerns associated with smoking include cancer and lung disease. Smoking triples the risk of dying from heart disease among those who are middle-aged. If you smoke, quit! Contact the HAWC for more information about our tobacco cessation program. Get routine exams and screenings. Based on your age, health history, lifestyle and other important issues, you and your health care provider can determine how often you need to be examined and screened for certain diseases and conditions. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases and cancer. When problems are found early, your chances for recovery and cure are better. Get appropriate vaccinations. They're not just for kids. Adults need them too. Some vaccinations are for everyone. Others are recommended if you work in certain jobs, have certain lifestyles, travel to certain places or have certain health conditions. Protect yourself from illness and disease by keeping up with your vaccinations. Manage Stress. Perhaps now more than ever before, job stress poses a threat to the health of workers and in turn, to the health of organizations. Balancing obligations to your employer and your family can be challenging. Protect your mental and physical health by engaging in activities that help you manage your stress at work and home. Be safe. Protect yourself by fastening seatbelts, applying sunscreen, wearing a helmet and having smoke detectors. Being safe also includes washing your hands and watching your relationships. Always take steps to protect yourself and those around you. Be good to yourself. Health is not merely the absence of disease; it's a lifestyle. Whether it's getting enough sleep, relaxing after a stressful day or enjoying a hobby, it's important to take time to be good to yourself. Pay attention to your health, and make healthy living a part of your life. Contact the HAWC at 310-653-6648 for a complete listing of their class schedule. Classes are open to active duty, dependents, retirees and DoD civilians.