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What It Means to Be Healthy

Living Long

This means staying alive for many years by avoiding things that can hurt you. Wear your seatbelt to avoid car accidents. Eat healthy foods to avoid heart problems. Don't smoke to avoid cancer. Get checkups to catch health problems early. Small, smart choices every day help you live to see your grandkids grow up.

Living Well

This is about staying strong and able to move as you get older. Exercise now so you can still walk, play, and take care of yourself when you're 80. Build strong muscles and bones. Keep your heart healthy. Stay active so you can enjoy life on your own terms, not stuck in bed or needing others to help with basic tasks.

Living Happy

This means finding joy in your days. Laugh with friends. Love your family. Try new things that excite you. Notice the good things around you and say "thank you" for them. Make time for fun. Build friendships that last. Find purpose in helping others. Remember that health isn't just about your body—it's about enjoying the life you have.

How to Be Healthy

Now that we know what being healthy means, how do we get there? There are four main areas we need to take care of.

These four areas work together like legs on a table. If one leg is weak, the whole table can wobble. When all four are strong, your health stands firm.

See the 4 Areas

4 Areas of Health

MIND

A happy mind helps your whole body.

You can have a nice home and money in the bank, but still feel sad or worried. Your mind needs care just like your body does. When you learn to watch your thoughts and feelings, they don't control you as much. A strong mind doesn't mean you never feel bad. It means you can handle tough feelings when they come.

Simple Steps

  • Sleep well — Get 7–9 hours of sleep each night to help your mood and focus.
  • Cut down on screens — Too much social media, games, and TV can make your mind foggy.
  • Take quiet time — Just 10 minutes a day of quiet thinking or deep breathing helps your mind.
  • Notice wants vs. needs — It's okay to want things, but you don't need everything you want.
  • Name your feelings — When you feel mad, sad, or scared, say it out loud. This helps you handle it better.
BODY

Your body is your home for life.

Your body is the only one you'll ever have. It needs daily care to stay strong and healthy. Moving, eating good food, and staying safe aren't just nice ideas – they're how you keep your body working well. A strong body gives you more energy and helps you do more things. When your body is weak, everything else gets harder.

Simple Steps

  • Move every day — Walk 7,500 steps or play actively for 30 minutes.
  • Build strength — Lift or push against weight twice a week to keep muscles strong.
  • Cook at home — Food you make is usually healthier than food from packages or restaurants.
  • Eat real food — Choose fruits, veggies, and protein. Limit sugary or processed foods.
  • Stay safe — Don't smoke, drink very little alcohol, and always wear seatbelts and helmets.
FRIENDS & FAMILY

We all need people who care about us.

Humans need other humans. Being alone too much can make you feel sad or stressed. The secret to good friendships isn't just finding people who help you – it's also being someone who helps others. You don't need lots of friends. You just need a few people who really know you, and a few people you can help.

Simple Steps

  • Keep close friends — Have at least two people you trust and can talk to about anything.
  • Join a group — Find people who like the same things you do, like sports, music, or helping others.
  • Talk in person — Texting and social media are okay, but talking face-to-face is better.
  • Listen well — Pay attention when others talk. Ask questions to understand them better.
  • Help others — Offer to help friends and family. Being helpful makes you feel good too.
BASICS

Take care of your needs first.

It's hard to be healthy when you're worried about basic needs. No diet or exercise plan helps much if you don't have enough food, a safe place to live, or money for bills. Taking care of these basics isn't a luxury – it's the foundation. When your basic needs are met, you can focus on other parts of health.

Simple Steps

  • Save some money — Try to save a little from each paycheck for emergencies.
  • Get enough food — Plan meals ahead and use food banks if needed.
  • Make your home safe — Keep your living space clean and fix safety problems quickly.
  • See a doctor — Get checkups and shots to prevent illness.
  • Protect your time — It's okay to say no to things that stress you out too much.