Ten Step Countdown for a Healthy Life

Here are ten things you can do to help live longer, live better, and live happier:

Number 10:  Be Informed For health information you can trust from both governmental and non-governmental sources, here are two gateway information centers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that can help: National Women's Health Information Center, available by phone at 800-994-WOMAN or on the Internet at www.4woman.gov, and Healthfinder, on the Internet at: www.healthfinder.gov.

Number 9:  Be Good To Your Bones For healthy bones, be sure to replenish your stock of calcium every day with plenty of foods like milk and dairy products, tofu, leafy green vegetables, canned salmon or sardines, and calcium-fortified juices or breads.

Number 8:  Avoid Illegal Drugs and Alcohol For women, the definition of moderate drinking stops at one glass. And where illicit drugs are concerned there is no such thing as "moderate" use.

Number 7:  Take Medicine Wisely Read the labels, and remind your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines or supplements you might be taking that could interact with your medication.

Number 6:  Play It Safe Avoid injuries. Buckle up. Wear a helmet. Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Use street smarts and common sense. Practice safe sex.

Number 5:  Get Checked Get regular check-ups, preventive exams, and immunizations. Don't forget self-exams, too.

Number 4:  Eat Smart It's the secret to good health. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Enjoy a variety of foods, balance foods from each food group, and exercise moderation.

Number 3:  Don't Smoke It's the leading preventable cause of death in our country.

Number 2:  Get Moving The other secret to good health: just 30 minutes of physical activity, accumulated over the course of each day, can radically improve the way you look and feel, both physically and mentally.

Number 1:  Be Happy Take time for yourself. Get connected with family, friends, and community. Do things you enjoy.