You've probably heard that bananas are high in potassium, which helps to control blood pressure and may fight depression. Bananas also contain tryptophan, a mood-lifter, and, because of their three natural sugars -- sucrose, glucose and fructose -- give an instant boost to flagging energy levels.

Beginning at age 40, get your cholesterol levels checked every year. A simple blood test is all that is required, and results are generally available within a week.