An official State of Texas website.
Revision 24-2; Effective Oct. 15, 2024
All clients should receive a risk assessment at least annually to find areas where lifestyle modifications might reduce the risk of future disease and improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Counseling on healthful lifestyle choices should cover the following areas:
- smoking and tobacco use,
- healthy eating patterns, and
- physical activity and fitness.
Counseling should be catered toward the client’s current health needs and family planning goals. Counseling should include relevant information and guidance accessible to the client.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Based on the needs of each client, they should be advised on the impact of smoking, the use of tobacco products and to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
Healthy Eating Patterns
Clients should be counseled on healthy eating patterns and offered access to information and guidance relevant to their needs. This may include limiting salt intake or advising a specific diet plan if needed.
Physical Activity and Fitness
Clients should be advised to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity, vigorous aerobic activity or a combination of both each week. Moderate-intensity activities include walking, social dancing or gardening, while vigorous-intensity activities include running, jumping rope or swimming laps. Physical activity should always be tailored to their individual health condition, risks and abilities.