75 Ways to Keep You and Your Family Healthy

Work out three to four times a week. Exercise counters the drop of HDL ("good") cholesterol levels that can happen as you get older.

Examine your breasts regularly so you know how they feel at different times of the month and will notice any changes.

Get 20 minutes of sunscreen-free sun exposure two or three times a week to keep vitamin D levels normal. D helps build bone, protects against high blood pressure and more.

Starting at age 45, get screened for diabetes at least every three years. Ask your doctor if you need to get tested sooner if you have risk factors such as a family history of the disease, excess weight, gestational diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome.

An excellent rule about self-medication: Never take any drug or medicine in secret.

Don't agree to an X-ray without knowing the reason for it. Ask the doctor if it's truly necessary or just routine procedure.

If you have PMS, schedule some quiet self-indulgence for when you're having symptoms.

Know that women are more likely than men to have the less obvious heart attack symptoms, such as pain in the arm(s), back, shoulders, neck or jaw; unusual fatigue; nausea; light-headedness; sudden dizziness; a cold sweat and shortness of breath, in addition to chest pain.

Limit your drinking. Alcohol reduces calcium absorption, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis, the loss of bone that can lead to fractures.

If you have iron-deficiency anemia, eat iron-rich foods such as liver, meat, fish, green leafy vegetables, and enriched breads and cereals. Vitamin C—rich foods like citrus fruit can help you absorb the iron better.

Turn down the temperature in your bedroom. You may get drowsy when you're warm, but you'll sleep better if the temperature is cool.

Don't accept fatigue as a fact of life. If you're tired all the time, ask your doctor to test for a thyroid disorder.

Know that a healthy life consists of more than a job. Exclude friends, love and recreation and you'll pay for it somehow.

Empty your shoulder bag. Lugging your whole life around can hurt the muscles on one side of your body, leading to back and shoulder pain.

Stay sexually active. This keeps you emotionally connected to your partner and likely boosts your immune system.

Don't talk or text while driving. Those who do are almost as likely to get into an accident as drunk drivers.

Pay attention to your period. Two or more skipped periods, suddenly intense cramps, spotting, heavy bleeding or periods longer than 10 days are all signs you should talk to your doctor about.

Ditch your doctor if she ignores your questions. For all the medical technology available, talking to the patient remains one of the best ways to get an accurate diagnosis and gauge treatment results.