APA Dictionary of Psychology

actions taken by individuals to maintain or improve their health and reduce the risk of illness or injury. This includes behaviors that prevent disease, such as receiving recommended vaccinations, following a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, or maintaining healthy sleep habits. It also includes participating in routine health screenings or check-ups (e.g., mammography, blood pressure monitoring, STI testing) to detect conditions early. Preventive health behaviors encompass safety and harm reduction practices, such as wearing protective equipment while using tools or sports gear, practicing safer sex, using seatbelts, following hand hygiene guidelines, wearing masks during outbreaks, or adhering to public health recommendations to reduce exposure to infectious disease (e.g., COVID-19, flu).