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General Health

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Looking after your general health involves maintaining physical, mental, and social well-being by managing diet, physical activity, sleep, and stress. Proactive lifestyle choices, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and sun exposure, and getting regular medical checkups can help you prevent or manage many physical health conditions that affect general well-being. Working on mental health through gratitude or relaxation techniques and connection to others is essential for supporting mental health.

FAQ

What are the key components of general health?

The pillars of good overall health are centered on maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, robust sleep, and effective stress management. Leaving space to practice mindfulness, gratitude, and social interactions supports mental health.

Stress can increase your risk of many diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and stroke. It might also lead to anxiety, fatigue, headaches, chest pain, changes in eating habits, sleep issues, and drug, tobacco, or alcohol abuse.

Good sleep is a cornerstone of general health. It’s vital for preserving brain function, restoring energy, processing memories and learning, promoting hormonal balance, and supporting your metabolic, respiratory, and immune systems. Discuss sleep issues with a healthcare professional.

Vaccinations, regular screenings and checkups, good hygiene including handwashing and safe food prep, safety precautions like seat belts and helmets when appropriate, and healthy lifestyle habits are the best ways to preserve general health.

Strong social ties can support stress, depression, and anxiety management; improve eating and physical activity habits; and enhance sleep. In doing so, they may reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia and support a longer, healthier life.

Meet Our Experts In General Health
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
Michelle-Seguin-bio

Michelle Seguin, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Michelle Seguin, MD, is a board-certified family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and certified functional medicine physician (IFMCP). She is a practicing physician at Root Functional...

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Justin Laube

Justin Laube, MD

Medical Reviewer

Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, a...

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Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Allison Buttarazzi, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine, and is a certified health and well-being coach. In her primary care practice, Dr. Buttarazzi...

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Jane Yoon Scott, MD

Medical Reviewer

Jane Yoon Scott, MD, is an infectious disease physician and an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Scott enjoys connecting with her patients, empowe...

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Sarah Goodell, MA

Sarah Goodell, MA

Medical Reviewer

Sarah Goodell is a health policy consultant with over 25 years of experience. She is currently working as an independent consultant focusing on the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, h...

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Chelsea Vinas

Chelsea Vinas, MS, LMFT

Medical Reviewer

Chelsea Vinas is a licensed psychotherapist who has a decade of experience working with individuals, families, and couples living with anxiety, depression, trauma, and those experi...

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Scott Haak, PT, DPT, MTC, CSCS

Medical Reviewer

Scott Haak, PT, DPT, has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 2000. Dr. Haak serves as faculty for the Sports Medicine Fellowship program at Mayo Clinic Florida. He is cert...

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Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, FAPA

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Patrice Harris is Everyday Health's chief health and medical editor and a board-certified psychiatrist in Atlanta with diverse experience as a private practicing physician, a c...

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Resources
  1. Healthy Living. MedlinePlus. April 26, 2023.

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