Evidence shows that some of the leading causes of death in the World,
such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, some lung diseases, injuries, and HIV/AIDS, often can be prevented by improving personal health habits.
Eating right, staying physically active, and not smoking are a few examples of good habits that can help you stay healthy.
Eating the right foods and the right amounts of foods can help you live a longer, healthier life.
Research has proven that many illnesses—such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure—can be prevented or controlled by eating right.
Getting the nutrients you need, such as calcium and iron, and keeping your weight under control can help. Try to balance the calories you get from food with the calories you use through physical activity.
It is never too late to start eating right.

Here are some helpful tips.

Eat a variety of foods, especially:

-Vegetables. Choose dark-green leafy and deep-yellow vegetables.

-Fruits. Choose citrus fruits or juices, melons, and berries.

-Dry beans (such as red beans, navy beans, and soybeans), lentils, chickpeas, and peanuts.

-Whole grains, such as wheat, rice, oats, corn, and barley.

-Whole grain breads and cereals.

-Eat foods low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, especially:

-Fish.

-Poultry prepared without skin; lean meat.

-Low-fat dairy products.

Weighing too much or too little can lead to health problems.
After age 45, many people gain too much weight.
You can control your weight by eating healthy foods and being physically active.

"Physical Activity."

Research shows that physical activity can help prevent at least six diseases:
heart disease,
high blood pressure,
obesity (excess weight),
diabetes,
osteoporosis,
and mental disorders, such as depression.
Physical activity also will help you feel better and stay at a healthy weight.
Research suggests that brisk walking can be just as good for you as an activity such as jogging.
Try to do a total of 30 minutes of constant physical activity, such as fast walking, most days of the week.

Safe Sex

Sexually transmitted diseases.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),
such as herpes,
syphilis,
gonorrhea,
and chlamydia, are passed easily from one person to the next through sexual intercourse.
STDs are more common in people under the age of 50.
But, if you or your partner have other sexual partners, you are at risk for STDs.
You can lower your chances of getting an STD by using a latex condom every time you have sex.
If you have not taken this step, you may need testing for STDs.

HIV and AIDS.
AIDS is a disease that breaks down the body's ability to fight infection and illness.
AIDS is caused by the HIV virus.
By preventing HIV infection, you can prevent AIDS.

People in midlife and those who are older can become infected with HIV.
In fact, 10 percent of all AIDS cases in the United States have occurred in people over the age of 50.