How to improve our own health Whatever they are rich or poor, many people fail to see the link between their habits and their health. Whatever your financial circumstances, there are basic steps you can take to protect and improve your own health: 1) Concentrate on eating “real” food, fresh foods that people have been enjoying for millenniums, rather than modern processed foods. 2) Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep every night to look, feel, and perform their best. 3) A physically active life can help us feel happier, think more clearly, have more energy, be more productive and, along with proper diet, control our weight. Exercise need not be painful or extreme to be effective. Regular periods of moderate exercise several times a week can be very beneficial.