Lifestyle
  • Engage in moderate physical activity 30 minutes a day, 5-7 days a week.
  • Get enough sleep to provide daytime alertness, usually 6-9 hours a night.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Quit smoking, or don't start.
  • Limit your sun exposure.
Common health concerns
Regular Checkups

Physician: 

  • Annual breast and pelvic exams.
  • Initial Pap test at age 18 or beginning of sexual activity whichever comes first.
  • Thereafter, Pap test every year, until 3 consecutive normal Paps, then at the discretion of physician.
  • Yearly mammogram after age 40.  For those age 20-39, at the discretion of physician.
  • Tetanus booster every 10 years.
Self-exam: 
Nutrition
  • Calories, about 1600-2200
    • to maintain your weight, about 13 X your weight in pounds.
    • to lose weight, about 10 X your weight in pounds.
    • more calories required if you're very active, fewer if sedentary.
  • Eat a variety of foods in the food pyramid.
    • 6-9 servings of grains.
    • 3-4 servings of vegetables.
    • 2-3 servings of fruit.
    • 2 servings of meat, or other high-protein food.
    • 2-3 servings of dairy products.
  • Fat should constitute less than 30% of total calories, saturated fat less than 10%.