Here, we’ve written some of the basic, most important tips. Just by following all of these, you would likely see a reduction in your symptoms and prevent countless future problems, not to mention saving a lot of money on health care.

When you read these tips, you will probably think, “I already know this.” Yes, but do you do them? If you are not actively following these tips, write down the ones you need to include in your life, then create a plan for how to add them to your routine.

• Become as healthy as you can. Follow a regular wellness program to reverse conditions you already have, and prevent future illness. Healthy lifestyle choices can sometimes totally reverse medical conditions. Read about the Stoll Foundation’s 3LS Wellness Program to learn a health-producing lifestyle.
• Read magazines about prevention, holistic health, nutrition, etc. Do not wait until you have a health problem to start learning about good health practices. Subscribe to magazines or read them for free at your library.
• Quit smoking. The American Lung Association has a free online smoking cessation program at http://www.ffsonline.org/ or call 1-800-LUNGUSA. (checked 4/09)
• Get regular checkups, especially for children. Don’t skimp on well-child checkups just to save money. Exams are usually inexpensive, and help your doctor detect health problems early.
• Don’t wait until a problem becomes severe or intolerable to seek medical attention. It costs more to address a problem that has been left untreated for too long.
• Wash your hands. An old-fashioned preventive medicine is plain old soap and water. Make sure everyone in the family is washing hands before eating, after playing outside, or after being in contact with someone who’s already sick. Good hygiene reduces the spread of infections and germs.
• Relax regularly. This is one of the most neglected approaches to health in the United States. We call the most healing approach to relaxation “Skilled Relaxation” and recommend that you practice twice a day for 20 minutes. See our Skilled Relaxation page for free instructions.
• Eat whole foods. A whole food is one that has had no parts removed. For example, a potato with the skin on is whole, but if you peel it, the potato is refined and most of the nutrition has been thrown away. Whole foods are very health-enhancing. See our Whole Foods Diet page for free instructions.
• Exercise. Regular exercise has many, many benefits including lowering your risk for some diseases or reversing symptoms you already have, helping you avoid gaining weight, and bringing more balance to your metabolism. We suggest a minimum of 20 minutes, 3 times a week. See our Right Exercise for You page for free instructions.
• Laugh. Laughter offers a promising avenue towards relief, not only for depression, but for life’s inevitable troubles. Find a Laughter Yoga club near you at www.laughteryoga.org (checked 4/09).
• Lose weight if you are overweight. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, stroke, cancers, and other health issues. Maintaining a healthy weight will prevent later medical problems and save money on health care costs.
• Save more by eating better. Simpler, natural healthy foods, when cooked at home, are often less expensive than unhealthy processed foods. Eat healthy sized portions.
• Cook at home instead of eating restaurant food. By doing so, you control what you eat and avoid excess salt, sugars, fats, and refined foods.
• Bruss and floss your teeth. Many dental bills can be prevented by taking proper or meticulous care of the teeth and gums.
• Get enough sleep. Sleep is not only important for physical function, but also mental wellness.
• Use correct posture when lifting heavy objects. Pick things up with a straight back so you are lifting the weight with the strong, large muscles of the legs rather than your back muscles, which are weaker.
• Be careful about sun exposure. Avoiding sunburns and tanning salons are among the best things you can do to avoid skin cancer.
• Quit or reduce consumption of alcohol.
• Chill out. Stress is the underlying cause of approximately 80 – 90% of doctor visits. Stress is not only psycho-social; it is also physical, nutritional, electromagnetic, and biochemical. Find ways to reduce stress in your life.
• Wear helmets. Make sure you and your kids wear helmets when you ride a bike, a scooter, or a skateboard, since very serious injuries can result from falls.
• Avoid accidents by being careful and thinking before you use power tools, ladders, and other dangerous equipment and chemicals. Read warning labels before using products.
• Get a pet. Studies have shown that people with companion animals live longer, healther lives. Caring for a dog or cat may save you money on health care. Just make sure you are in a position to take proper care of them.