Celebrate International Women’s Day by investing in your health. The National Women's Health Information Center offers the following 10 things you can do to help you live longer, better and happier:

Be informed. Learn about health promotion and disease prevention and ask your healthcare provider for specific information regarding your needs.
Be good to your bones. For healthy bones, replenish your stock of calcium every day with foods such as milk and other dairy products, tofu, leafy green vegetables, canned salmon or sardines and calcium-fortified juices or breads. Speak with your healthcare provider about calcium supplements.

Limit alcohol and don’t use illegal drugs. For women, the definition of moderate drinking stops at one drink a day. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines a drink as one 5-ounce glass of wine, one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. Remember that the alcohol content of each type of drink can vary widely. Where illegal drugs are concerned, there is no such thing as "safe" or "moderate" use.

Take medicine wisely. Read the labels, follow the instructions carefully and remind your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any other medicines or supplements you might be taking that could interact with your medicines. For your safety, to lower your risk for adverse side effects or medicine interactions, you should also let your healthcare provider know if you use any illicit or "recreational" drugs. If you have any questions about possible side effects, call your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Play it safe. Avoid injuries. Buckle up. Wear motorcycle and bicycle helmets. Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Wear sunscreen and UV protected sunglasses. Use street smarts and common sense. Practice safe sex by using condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Get checked. Get regular checkups, preventive exams and immunizations. Don't forget self-exams, too. These include skin, oral and breast self-checks.

Don't smoke. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in our country.

Eat smart. It is the secret to good health. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Enjoy a variety of foods, balance foods from each food group and exercise moderation.

Get moving. The other secret to good health: Just 30 minutes of physical activity, accumulated over the course of each day, can radically improve the way you look and feel, both physically and mentally.

Be happy. Take time for yourself. Get connected with family, friends and community. Do things you enjoy!

Source: The StayWell Company, LLC