Easy ways to stay healthy

Manage stress

When you experience stress, your body responds like you're in danger. It makes hormones that speed up your heart, cause you to breathe faster and give you a burst of energy. Some stress is normal and even useful. But if stress happens too often or lasts too long, it can have negative effects on your health. Help relieve stress by exercising, participating in hobbies you enjoy or by talking openly with someone you trust. Sometimes stress is just too much to handle alone and advice from a medical professional can help. Learn more about managing stress.

Test your blood pressure and A1c levels

Diabetes is a leading cause of death among Michigan men and women. If you have diabetes, it's important to keep your A1c level at less than 7% and your blood pressure less than 130/80 mm Hg. It can lower your risk for complications, such as diabetic retinopathy (eye disease), kidney disease, nerve damage and heart disease. Have your A1c and blood pressure checked at least every six months. Learn more about controlling diabetes.

Practice safe medicine

Sometimes medicines that you take for a long period of time can become harmful to you. To protect your health, your doctor may want you to have simple blood tests from time to time. These tests will help your doctor determine if you are getting the right amount of medicine and make sure you don't have unwanted side effects. If you are taking any of the following drugs and do not get regular tests (sometimes monthly), talk with your doctor.

• Blood thinners
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs (high blood pressure medication)
• Anti-seizure medication
• Diuretics (drugs that help your body eliminate excess fluid)
• Digoxin (heart medication)

Learn more about long-term drugs.

Quit smoking

Smoking is the #1 preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. Female smoking-related deaths now outnumber deaths from breast cancer. In addition, secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in adults who don’t smoke. It's not easy to quit a habit like smoking alone. Use Priority Health programs and resources to help you quit for good. See tobacco cessation resources on our website.

Topics: Seniors care, Prescription drugs, Diabetes, Tobacco