11 Tips for a Healthy Fall
CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
11 Tips for a Healthy Fall
As the days get shorter and cooler and the leaves change color, use these 11 healthy strategies to help prevent chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Eat Healthy
Delicious fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products make health meals.
TIP Choose fat-free or low-fat milk or yogurt more often than cheese. They have more potassium and less sodium.
Move More, Sit Less
Adults need at least 150
minutes of moderate-
intensity aerobic activity
every week, plus muscle-
strengthening activities
at least 2 days a week.
Be Sun Safe
Wear long-sleeved
shirts and pants, a
wide-brimmed hat, and
sunglasses and use
broad spectrum sunscreen
with at least SPF 15.
TIP Even if the weather is cooler, the sun can still damage your skin. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage.
Rethink Your Drink
Substitute water for
sugary or alcoholic
drinks to reduce
calories and stay safe.
Learn Your Family
Health History
Talk to your family and
your doctor about your
family health history.
Get Your Screenings
Visit your doctor regularly
for preventive services
like cancer and
diabetes screenings.
DID YOU KNOW? Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
Get Your Flu Shot
An annual flu
vaccine is the
best way to help
protect against
flu, especially for
cancer survivors.
For more about how to prevent chronic disease and maintain a healthy lifestyle, follow @CDCChronic on Twitter or visit cdc.gov/chronicdisease.
Page last reviewed: September 20, 2019