Okay, you've reviewed some of the health issues that you need to keep in mind after age forty and know how to put together your family and personal health histories. All of this information lays the foundation for building a strong, effective health plan that will help you and your health care provider keep tabs on your health in the years ahead. Some commonsense lifestyle guidelines and regular medical examinations are your ticket to a comfortable, healthy middle age.

To get started, find a small calendar with room for notes, and jot down one or two goals for each month. Choose from any of the following categories. Don't overwhelm yourself with good intentions — make no more than two goals per month, and dedicate yourself to giving them a real try for the full month. Four weeks of a new activity is often enough to internalize it so that it becomes part of your routine.