Health Confidence: Taking Charge of Your Own Health

Take a confident, active role in staying well. Know what to do in times of illness, injury, or emergency. Become a health-savvy consumer. If you follow these simple guidelines, before you know it, you will have the knowledge and confidence to manage your own health.

• Find out what your health risks are. Have a medical exam to assess the status of your health. Follow your doctor's recommendations.

• Determine your health needs and set realistic, achievable goals. Set up both a task and reward program to keep you on track.

• Get answers to your health questions. Seek out credible health resources (the local library, bookstores, organizations, community courses, licensed or certified health professionals).

• Practice prevention. Preventing disease is much better than having a disease. Schedule periodic screening tests specific to your age. Many injuries can be prevented. Safeguard against avoidable accidents. Buckle up in the car and test all smoke detectors in your home.

• Adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Eat a balanced, lowfat, low sugar, and high fiber diet. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Quit smoking. Learn to relax.

• Maintain a healthful environment in which to live. Keep a clean home. Launder clothing and bedding regularly.

• Build lasting friendships. Everyone needs family and friends for loving, emotional, and social support.

• Protect your family from domestic violence. Call the police, your doctor, your friends, a domestic violence shelter, or a local Hotline for help if your home has domestic violence.

People who have the confidence to care for themselves during minor illness or injury usually recover faster. Start today. Follow these guidelines to develop the confidence you need to take charge of your own health.

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