Source: Men's Health Network

Men die younger than women from the top causes of death. As a result, the average woman outlives the average man by over five years. But it doesn’t have to be this way. More than half of these premature deaths are preventable, along  with about 60 percent of chronic diseases, and most injuries and accidents. By taking charge of your own preventative care, you can protect your health.

Below is a summary of important steps you can take to improve the quality—and length—of your life.

• Eat a varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat foods.

• Be especially careful to limit cholesterol intake and avoid saturated fats.

• Moderate exercise for 30 minutes five times a week, or vigorous exercise for 20 minutes three times a week.

• Protect yourself from the sun.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.

• Limit alcohol to two drinks per day.

• Don’t smoke, and minimize your exposure to second-hand smoke.

• See your doctor regularly.

• Know your family history and discuss it with your doctor.

• If you are over 40, get a baseline PSA (prostate specific antigen) test and monitor this periodically with your doctor.

• Manage your stress.

• Get help if you need it.

As important as it is for you to take charge of your own health and wellness, you can’t do it all. Getting regular checkups and age-appropriate screenings is a proven way to improve health and reduce premature death and disability. Remember, if you’re a member of a high-risk group or have a family history of disease, talk to your health care provider about the benefits of earlier screenings.