• Gather your family’s medical history to find out what risks you might have inherited.  Then talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower these risks.

• Start moving. An active lifestyle can help ward off health problems. Walk, run, bike, swim, garden, or do any other physical activity you enjoy. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program that’s right for you. NIH has many resources about exercise and physical fitness at health.nih.gov/result.asp/245.

• Develop good eating habits and control your weight., Good nutrition is a big part of staying healthy. NIH has resources to help at health.nih.gov/result.asp/474.

• If you smoke, quit. Smoking is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. For resources to help you quit, see health.nih.gov/result.asp/607.

*NIH is the nation's medical research agency – making important medical discoveries that improve health and save lives. NIH, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research. Helping to lead the way toward important medical discoveries that improve people’s health and save lives, NIH scientists investigate ways to prevent disease as well as the causes, treatments, and even cures for common and rare diseases. Composed of 27 Institutes and Centers, the NIH provides leadership and financial support to researchers in every state and throughout the world.