HEALTHY LIVING

Only about 1 in 10 adults eat the recommended amount of vegetables and fruits each day. Eating healthier reduces the risk of chronic disease and supports energy, mood, digestion, and better sleep.

Start Today with Healthy Habits!

Try one or two:

• Prioritize veggies, proteins, and healthy fats.
• Choose water over sugary drinks.
• Fill half your plate with vegetables.
• Eat slowly and notice hunger and fullness cues.

Learn more about healthy eating through USU’s Create Better Health.

Additional Resources

American Diabetes Association
Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Need Food Assistance?

Utahns Against Hunger helps qualifying individuals access food programs like SNAP.

We recommend 150 minutes of activity per week (30 minutes, 5 days a week). Even 4–5 minutes of vigorous daily activity is linked to lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and premature death. Activity boosts energy, reduces stress, improves sleep, and mobility.

Start Today with Healthy Habits!

Try one or two:

• Take a 10-minute walk after meal.
• Use the stairs instead of elevator.
• Park farther away from your destination.
• Walk or bike for short trips and errands.
• Garden, play outside, or participate in activities you enjoy.

Learn more about physical activity through Move Your Way.

Additional Resources

Active Communities Toolkit
Getting & Staying Active as You Age

Looking for an outdoor adventure in Southern Utah?

Find nearby trails on Trailforks by activity—like hiking and biking.

Nearly 1 in 3 adults has prediabetes, and over 80% don’t know it. Knowing your blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight can help catch risks early and prevent or delay conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Start Today with Healthy Habits!

Try one or two:

• Schedule an annual wellness visit with your healthcare provider.
• Check blood pressure regularly.
• Take our Prediabetes Risk Test.
• Calculate BMI and discuss the results with a healthcare provider.
• Participate in one of Utah’s diabetes prevention or management programs.

Additional Resources

• How to Manage Blood Sugar
• Steps to Lose Weight & Keep It Off
• 10 Things About Blood Pressure

Need a Blood Pressure Cuff?

The Libraries with Heart program provides blood pressure kits for checkout at participating libraries. Search for a location near you.

Within 2–12 weeks of quitting tobacco, circulation and lung function improve. After one year, heart disease risk is nearly halved. Quitting smoking or vaping improves breathing, energy, and long-term health while lowering risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

Start Today with Healthy Habits!

Try one or two:

• Set a quit date and make a plan.
• Identify situations that trigger cravings.
• Take a walk or practice deep breathing when cravings occur.
• Ask friends and family for support.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about quit aids and medications.

Visit our Vape/Tobacco Prevention page for more resources. 

About 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep. This harms health, lowers immunity, affects focus, and raises risks of stress and chronic disease. Getting 7–9 hours supports heart health, memory, mood, and energy.

Start Today with Healthy Habits!

Try one or two:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
• Limit screen time before bedtime.
• Avoid caffeine late in the day.
• Develop relaxing bedtime routine.
• Get regular physical activity during the day.

Visit our Sleep Health page for more free resources.