6 Live-Healthy Tips from Health's Star Doc

Health

’s Medical Editor Roshini Rajapaksa, MD (a.k.a. "Dr. Raj")—an assistant professor of medicine at New York University Medical Center and co-author of What the Yuck?!—shares her personal secrets.

"You have to make fun a priority. My friends and I go for regular girls’ nights out. It reenergizes you, gives you a necessary mental break, and reduces your stress. It's also good to just laugh and have fun.”

“It’s important to have fish a few times a week. I like salmon because you don’t have to worry about mercury. My fave dishes: salmon sushi with brown rice or grilled salmon with steamed veggies."

“I swim a couple of times a week. It fuels and tones my entire body. When I’m done, I am left with a nice tiredness. Plus, I love that I can do it with my family.”

"I need at least eight or nine hours of sleep a night to feel my best, but I never get it. When I feel tired, I go outside and get some sunlight for a quick pick-me-up."

"I love golden raisins. Their fiber jump-starts your gastrointestinal tractand keeps everything moving nicely."

"I grew up Buddhist, so I try to be very self-aware. I think that people need tobe more mindful—especially about what they put into their bodies. You should ask yourself: Am I really hungry? Do I really want to eat more? You have to listen to your body.”