The more active you are, the better, Meng says. Exercise boosts your heart health, builds muscle and bone strength, and wards off health problems.

Aim for 2 and a half hours of moderate activity, like brisk walking or dancing, every week. If you're OK with vigorous exercise, stick to 1 hour and 15 minutes a week of things

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day.

Don't smoke.

Limit your alcohol. Keep it to one drink a day.

If you have medication, take it exactly how your doctor prescribed it.

Improve your sleep. Aim for 8 hours. If you have trouble getting shut-eye, talk to your doctor.

Use sunscreen and stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Create Healthy Habits

When eating healthy, flexibility often works best, says Joyce Meng, MD, assistant professor at the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center at UConn Health. If you like to follow a strict diet plan, go for it. If not, it's OK. "Find what works for you."