Recognizing that you have to make some changes in your lifestyle is the first step to better health. Learn why changes don't occur overnight; and why slow, gradual change leads to long-term change.
Wanting to change some of your behaviors is not the same as being ready to make those changes. Answer a few questions to test your readiness to change.
Changing lifestyle behaviors can be difficult. Learn how to meet your large, long-term lifestyle health goals by dividing them into small, manageable steps.
Learn how to recognize those things that prevent you from meeting your goals.
Following these few suggestions will help you reach your long-terms goals.
Learn how to use SMART goal setting to help you create a plan that fits into your life for making healthy lifestyle changes.
Understand that making a lifestyle change is not easy and that you may feel your motivation slip. Watch this video to learn different ways to keep motivated in working toward your healthy lifestyle change goals.
Understand the importance of having sources of support to reach out to when making lifestyle changes and learn the different places where that support may be found.
Watch this clip to hear Mike's story as he discusses his past and the difficulties of being overweight, leading to what motivated him to make changes to his eating and exercise behaviors helping him successfully reach and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Watch this clip for tips on ways to protect yourself in the sun.
Successful visits with the health care team don't just happen; they require planning. © U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
This video shows how to measure your blood pressure at home.
This video shows how to take your pulse at your wrist.
Watch this to understand how to become a positive self-manager, the importance of learning about your chronic disease, and the importance of working with your healthcare team to help you cope day to day.
Watch this to learn why it's important to ask questions during your healthcare appointments.
Learn how being honest with your healthcare provider can help you receive the best care.
Watch this to help manage your medications, the importance of taking your medications as prescribed, and ask healthcare provider questions about side effects to taking your medications.
Watch this to understand day to day management of your overall health, the importance of making healthy food choices and getting regular physical activity.
Watch this to understand how to set goals to take control of your health, and talk to your healthcare provider about the goals you are trying to set.
Watch this to find ways to stay positive as you face the challenges of being diagnosed with a chronic disease, the importance of taking control of your health and finding a support network.
Watch this to find ways to reach out and get support to deal with living with a chronic disease, family, friends, and community groups can be a source of ongoing support, work with healthcare team to help manage your self-care.
Watch this video for a checklist on how wearing medical alert jewelry can help you stay safe.
Watch this video to learn the importance of knowing your heart rate or pulse and how to take your pulse on your wrist and neck.
Watch this video to learn how to properly check your pulse or heart rate using your wrist.
Watch this video to learn how to check your pulse on your neck.
Watch this video to learn the Dos and Don'ts of taking your blood pressure at home properly.
Watch this video to learn how to properly check your blood pressure at home.
Watch this video to learn how to take your temperature with a digital oral ear, and forehead thermometer.
Watch this video to learn how to take your temperature using an oral thermometer.
Watch this video to learn how to take your temperature using a ear thermometer.
Watch this video to learn how to take your temperature using a forehead thermometer.
Taking your pulse is a way to measure your heart rate. When you take your pulse, you are feeling the force of blood as it's pumped from your heart into your body. Here's how to take your pulse.
Here are the screening tests and immunizations that most men ages 18 to 39 need.
Routine screening for a variety of health conditions is an important part of preventive care. Here are the screening tests and immunizations that most men ages 40 to 49 need.
You and your healthcare provider may decide that a different schedule is best for you, but this plan for most men ages 50 to 64 can guide your discussion.
Here is a helpful list of screening tests and immunizations for men ages 65 or older.
Do you know which screening tests and immunizations you need to preserve your health? Try this chart, which contains the screening tests and immunizations that most women ages 18 to 39 need.
You do a lot to stay healthy, but do you know which immunizations and health screenings are best for you? This list is for women ages 40 to 49, and it's a good place to start.
Immunizations aren't just for kids. Adults need them, too. Find out which ones you need to stay healthy and which screening tests are recommended for women ages 50 to 64.
Here are the screening tests and immunizations that most women ages 65 and older need. Although you and your healthcare provider may decide that a different schedule is best for you, this plan can guide your discussion.
See the 8 steps to measuring your blood pressure at home.
Here are images showing how to take your pulse at your wrist.
