Wellness

To live a longer, healthier life, experts say adults should focus on choosing healthy foods, getting adequate sleep, and participating in physical activity. Adults should also get recommended screenings, manage chronic illness, and monitor their numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol level, blood sugar, and weight).

Adults should get about 8 hours of sleep each night. To ensure restful sleep, create a cool, quiet, dark sleeping environment that is comfortable. Practice a relaxing pre-bedtime ritual. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, heavy or fatty foods, electronics, or vigorous exercise in the last hour before your bedtime. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Expose yourself to bright sunshine during the day.

Adults need a healthy diet filled with a daily variety of foods in the right portion sizes. Calorie needs vary based on your gender and activity level. Choose foods that are low in sugar and fat, and eat fruits and vegetables of all colors, to benefit from a variety of vitamins and nutrients.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. It is important to do both aerobic exercise and muscle building. You can involve friends, your spouse, or you children in your physical activity. Play tag, go for a walk, bicycle, swim, or do outside chores like raking leaves.

It is also important to get recommended immunizations, even as an adult. Vaccinations can offer protection against seasonal influenza (flu), Hepatitis A and B, shingles, and other diseases. Contact the Health Department to learn more about adult immunizations.