Physical health

To stay physically healthy, it’s a good idea to follow a few simple do’s and don'ts.

Do

• Eat well – eat a wide variety of foods, including fruit, vegetables, grains, meats or other proteins, and milk or other dairy products. You should also limit how much salt, sugar and fats you eat. The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating has tips on how to choose foods for good health
• Sleep well – most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep each day, but carers can find this hard to get. The HealthDirect website has tips on how to get more sleep, and your doctor can also give you some advice
• Exercise – there are many ways to exercise, from taking a regular walk to joining a gym. Some exercise every day is good, even if it is just taking the stairs instead of the lift, or standing instead of sitting down. The HealthDirect website has tips on how to get active

Don’t

• Smoke – if you’re a smoker, one of the best things you can do for your health is quit. The Quit Now website has tips and tools to help you quit, or you can call the Quitline on 13 78 48
• Drink too much or take drugs – alcohol and drugs can affect your physical and mental health, and can make it hard for you to give good care. Healthy adults should drink no more than 2 drinks a day. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website has information on how to manage your drinking