Making sustainable lifestyle changes is the key to a longer, healthier life and can help expedite recovery when illness strikes.

You can maintain a healthy lifestyle by giving attention to some simple self-monitoring steps as outlined below:

• Dental care – you can reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss if you clean your teeth regularly, drink fluoridated water, eat a low-sugar diet, and visit the dentist at least once a year.
• Diet – you can improve your general health by eating a variety of nutritious healthy foods, having regular meals and a healthy eating plan.
• Weight – maintaining a healthy weight can prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis.
• Alcohol – ‘low risk’ drinking is defined as no more than two standard drinks (for example, 100 ml of wine) on any day and at least two alcohol-free days per week.
• Smoking – increases your risk of many diseases including heart disease, stroke, lung disease and osteoporosis (loss of bone strength). If you smoke, try to quit. There is no safe smoking level.
• Exercise – regular exercise can prevent diseases developing, as well as being good for your emotional health. At least 2.5 hours of exercise per week is recommended.

The Australian Government is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles, addressing obesity and taking preventative measures to improve the health of all Australians. The Government guidelines towards achieving a healthier life and other useful information are available on their website, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/.