Making healthy choices isn’t always easy. It can be difficult to find the time and energy necessary to exercise or prepare healthy meals. While most good health secrets are a matter of common sense (ex. wash your hands), some are a little harder to follow and even more difficult to realize on your own.

If you want to lead a healthier life, try these tips to prevent illnesses from happening in the first place.

1. Eat Green Vegetables

Green and leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins which boost your immune system. According to a research study of mice, eating cruciferous vegetables signals the release of cell-surface proteins. These proteins play a vital role in ensuring that the immune-system functions efficiently.

In this study, depriving healthy mice of green vegetables led to the decline of these proteins by 70-80%. The result? A weak immune system that is susceptible to various infections. Seek advice from medical professionals on how to boost your immune system.

2. Get Enough Vitamin D

Are you getting enough vitamin D? If not, you might be susceptible to cardiovascular problems and poor bone health.

Results from a 2012 study advise doctors and parents to the vitamin D levels of their children. These checks often fly under the radar, but they are highly important in preventing these issues.

Fortunately, there are many foods that are rich in vitamin D. These include beef liver, salmon, canned tuna, mushrooms, and egg yolks. Medical professionals can also advise you on the right supplements to buy.

3. Get Regular Exercise

Regular exercise can help prevent a slew of medical issues including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer. When you want to avert ailments down the line, exercising regularly is your best bet.

Research has shown that regular exercise can also help in treating osteoporosis, depression, and high blood pressure. If possible, try and be active for half an hour about five times a week. However, it’s recommended that you seek advice from medical professionals if you have a chronic illness. These experts can suggest the best options to help you exercise safely.

4. Protect Your Skin

Even though we might love the look of sun-kissed skin, exposing your skin to sunlight for long periods of time actually does more harm than good. First and foremost, it makes you susceptible to skin cancer.

As such, it is imperative to limit the time you spend outdoors. If you must be out, it’s recommended that you wear protective clothing and hats to block the sun’s harsh rays. You can also use a sunscreen to protect any part of your skin that is not covered.

If you happen to discover any strange moles or marks on your skin, consult your dermatologist quickly. As experts, they will examine the issue and offer advice on the best way to deal with it.

5. Practice Safe Sex

Sex is good for your physical and emotional health. Unfortunately, STIs and STDs can strike when you least expect it. That’s why you should always use protection to prevent contracting and spreading sexually transmitted diseases. Talk to your healthcare provider to engage with regular STD testing and be sure to communicate with your partner(s) about your sexual health.

6. Seek Medical Attention

Investing in regular checkups by your primary care doctor, dermatologist, dentist, and optician can help keep your health on track. Thankfully, there are 7,357 registered urgent care centers spread across the country according to the 2016 benchmarking report by the Urgent Care Association. Whether you’re looking for preventative care or visiting an urgent care center during a health emergency, you can rely on the experts at Care Station Medical Group to keep you healthy.