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10 Habits of Highly Healthy People

We can live longer, healthier lives if we strive to practice healthy habits every day.

1. Visit your primary care provider regularly.

Primary CareYour primary care provider provides education on medications and daily routines, is available when you get sick, and helps you find specialty care when you need it. Think of this as your “medical home,” where you can talk with medical providers you trust, and who know you and your background.

Learn about programs that make health care more affordable.

2. Take care of your mental health and make time for family and friends.

Healthy Family

Healthy relationships are a key ingredient for health. Your support network gives you a sense of belonging and self-worth, and helps you manage stress.

Mental health is also an important aspect of your health. Make time to take care of yourself, and if you need a little extra support, don't be afraid to reach out for help.

  • Learn why a healthy social life is important to your wellness.
  • Cone Health’s 24-hour, toll-free helpline offers immediate assistance and guidance for mental illness and substance abuse issues. Call 336-832-9700 or 1-800-711-2635.
  • Cone Health Behavioral Health offers both outpatient and inpatient treatment.
  • Find more information from the Behavioral Health agency that serves your county:
    • Cardinal Innovations (Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Orange, Person, Rockingham, Stanly, Stokes)
    • Sandhills Center (Anson, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph or Richmond county)

3. Take medications as directed by your provider.

MedicationMake sure that you understand the directions for each of your medications. Know how many times you should take a medication each day and for how many days you should take it. Never take anyone else's medications.

4. Maintain a healthy weight and a trim waistline.

WeightIt is important to know what a healthy weight and diet is for you. Discuss this with your primary care provider, as things like your age, gender, physical activity level and medical history need to be considered.

5. Eat healthy meals and snacks, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

Healthy FoodMake healthy eating fun. Start with small changes and gradually build on your healthy eating habits. Celebrate your changes along the way!

Resources to help you eat healthy:

Get ideas for delicious recipes and shopping tips for healthy cooking by visiting:

Many people living on limited incomes may find it difficult to afford healthy and nutritious food. The information below may help:

  • Search for a Farmer’s Market in your community to purchase fresh, local, tasty and affordable food.
  • The WIC program serves women, infants and children and, based on your income, may provide vouchers to purchase healthy food at participating stores.
  • The SNAP program helps people with limited income purchase food:
  • The Little Green Book and The Little Blue Book lists all the free meals and food pantries in Greensboro. You can find a list of where to pick up up a copy here.
  • Cone Health partners with St. James Presbyterian Church (820 Ross Ave. Greensboro) to offer a "Message and a Meal"; with free hot meal and health education every Sunday at 3 pm.
  • Many more resources are available through the United Way’s community directory. You can dial “211” on your phone, or search the online directory.

6. Get moving every day – aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.

ExerciseBring a friend along. If you haven’t been active for a while, that’s OK. Set small goals and gradually increase your activity over time. Ask your primary care provider what physical activity is OK for you.

7. Don’t smoke.

No SmokingSmoking causes cancer, low birth weight babies and damage to organs, lung and skin. Smoking is deadly. Make your “Stop Smoking” plan today and get your life back!

8. Avoid alcohol or drink only moderate amounts.

Alcoholic BeveragesIf you don’t drink alcohol, don’t start. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For women, that’s no more than one drink per day, and two drinks per day for men. Pregnant women should avoid alcohol.

  • Do you have the symptoms of alcohol dependence? This is a medical problem that can be treated. Use this interactive tool to learn more about your symptoms.
  • Do you have a problem with alcohol? Find a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. Cone Health also offers specialized group therapy for substance abuse through outpatient behavioral health care.
  • Watch this video to learn about dealing with addiction.
  • Get information on how alcohol affects people with diabetes.
  • Learn the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy.
  • Cone Health’s 24-hour, toll-free helpline offers immediate assistance and guidance for mental illness and substance abuse issues. Call 336-832-9700 or 1-800-711-2635.

9. Manage stress through prayer, meditation or mindful relaxation.

MeditationPracticing a relaxation activity just once a day can help to combat the negative effects of stress. Exercise helps with stress, too!

  • Learn the signs of stress and strategies for coping.
  • Feeling stressed right now? Try these 4 tips for instant stress relief.
  • Learn about the 7 ways that gratitude benefits your health.
  • Cone Health’s 24-hour, toll-free helpline offers immediate assistance and guidance for mental illness and substance abuse issues. Call 336-832-9700 or 1-800-711-2635.
  • Check out the “10 Keys to Happiness” – the first five keys are about how we interact with the world, and the second five are about the attitude we bring to life.

10. Get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.

SleepSleeping fewer than seven to nine hours each night, irregular sleep schedules or poor quality sleep has been associated with many health risks. Have a bedtime ritual of going to bed and waking up the same time each day. Limit bedtime activities to sleep or sex, turn off the TV and avoid using electronic devices/computers before bed.

Programs that make health care more affordable

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