Patrice Dunagin

You can protect your health and improve your well-being by learning self-care skills and making lifestyle changes. Wellness is a lifelong journey to improve your mental, physical and social well-being. Physical wellness includes being physically fit, eating a healthy diet and being safe. Mind/body wellness includes your attitude, self-esteem and reactions to the stressors in your life. Social wellness addresses your relationships with others.

Here are some tips for improving your well-being:

Build a support system.

• Reach out to others.

• Develop friendships.

• Vent feelings before they build up.

Step up to fitness.

• Develop a daily exercise plan.

• Exercise 30 minutes daily, five or more days a week.

• Include stretching, aerobic and strength building exercises.

Stay safe.

• Wear your seatbelt.

• Never drink and drive.

• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.

• Wear sunscreen with SPF 30.

• Practice safe sex.

• Always follow directions when you take medicines — over the counter or prescription.

• Avoid illegal drugs.

• Lift with your legs, not your back.

Be a good communicator.

• Use “I” statements.

• Listen.

• Don’t judge.

• Make eye contact.

Eat right.

• Watch portion sizes.

• Choose low fat foods.

• Follow the MyPyramid plan for healthy food choices (mypyramid.gov).

• Limit high calorie foods.

Control your stress.

• Learn what you can and can’t control.

• Think positively.

• Find ways to relax.

• Take mental breaks — stretch breaks, short walks.

• Keep a sense of humor.

• Get adequate rest.

Practice healthy habits.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Brush and floss your teeth daily.

• Do monthly self-exams (breast, testicular and skin).

• Have regular medical checkups — vision, dental and physical.

• Take medications as prescribed.

• Avoid repetitive motions and postures that promote carpal tunnel syndrome and back problems.

When changing a health habit.

• Identify the barriers to change.

• Develop a plan to overcome these barriers.

• Set specific, measurable and rewarding health goals.

• Make changes slowly.