Memorial Day Health Message for Caregivers: Wellness Tips from the CDC

By Editor, on May 28th, 2012

This Memorial Day, as we remember our loved ones who have gone on, including those who gave their lives in service of our country, let us resolve to honor their lives and the lives of those loved ones we are now caring for, through our deeds and our lives.

To honor these loved ones for more than just a day, to be able to honor them through our deeds and our lives, we must start by taking care of our own health and wellness. This means taking a few simple steps daily.

Here are a few tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Office of Women’s Health, on simple steps you can take every day to maintain a safe and healthy life:

Tips from the CDC for a Safe and Healthy Life

Take steps every day to live a safe and healthy life.

Eat healthy.

Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day.
Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
Eat a balanced diet to help keep a healthy weight.

Get Smart with Fruits and Veggies

Healthy Weight

Nutrition for Everyone

Be active.

Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles.
Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day. Include activities that raise their breathing and heart rates and that strengthen their muscles and bones.

Physical Activity

Protect yourself.

Wear helmets, seat belts, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Wash hands to stop the spread of germs.
Avoid smoking and breathing other people’s smoke.
Build safe and healthy relationships with family and friends.
Be ready for emergencies. Make a supply kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

Clean Hands Save Lives

Emergency Preparedness and You

Injury Topics and Fact Sheets

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Quit Smoking

Manage stress.

Balance work, home, and play.
Get support from family and friends.
Stay positive.
Take time to relax.
Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Make sure kids get more, based on their age.
Get help or counseling if needed.

Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event

Mental Health

Sleep and Sleep Disorders

Stress at Work

Tips for Coping with Stress

Get check-ups.

Ask your doctor or nurse how you can lower your chances for health problems based on your lifestyle and personal and family health histories.
Find out what exams, tests, and shots you need and when to get them.
See your doctor or nurse as often as he or she says to do so. See him or her sooner if you feel sick, have pain, notice changes, or have problems with medicine.

Check-Up Checklist: Things to Do Before Your Next Check-Up

Regular Check-Ups are Important

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Content Provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Office of Women’s Health