Like many moms of babies, you may be so focused on taking care of your little one that you neglect your own health. But the happy news is that small, simple behavior changes can pay major health dividends. Here are ten surprising – and achievable – ways moms can be healthier and live longer:

1. Lose some of the baby weight

You were eating for two, and now you're not, and those pregnancy pounds may have taken up permanent residence.

At the same time, you know remaining overweight isn't good for your health or your longevity. According to research compiled by the National Cancer Institute, being overweight in midlife (the study looked at 500,000 people ages 50 to 71) increases your risk of death between 20 and 40 percent and being obese carries a two- to three-fold increase. (Other studies have found that being moderately overweight protects against some conditions – but it still increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.)

Luckily, the benefits begin with even a small amount of weight loss. Studies show that losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight (7 1/2 to 15 pounds for someone who weighs 150 pounds) lowers blood pressure, reduces bad cholesterol, lowers the risk of diabetes, and cuts your risk of cardiovascular disease.

So start small and don't beat yourself up when you cave in to the leftover pizza. Cutting just 100 calories a day can lead to a 9- to 10-pound weight loss over the course of a year. How much is 100 calories? Not a lot: A 12-ounce can of Coke contains 140 calories, a chocolate bar more than 200. Get tips on healthy post-baby weight loss.

2. Take care of your teeth and gums

It's all too easy to postpone dental cleanings and checkups when you're juggling the myriad responsibilities of parenthood; after all, you've got more important things to worry about, right?

Not really. Not only is gum disease a leading contributor to tooth loss, but it puts your heart at risk, too. Studies show that oral bacteria from gum disease may raise the risk of heart disease and stroke by contributing to inflammation in your cardiovascular system, says the American Academy of Periodontology. In fact, people who have gum disease are almost twice as likely to also suffer from coronary artery disease, though it hasn't been proven that the gum disease is the cause.

And this condition is much more common in women than most people realize, thanks in part to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, nursing, and perimenopause. One study in the Journal of Periodontology found that 23 percent of women between the ages of 30 to 54 had advanced gum disease.

Of course, there are other reasons to take care of your teeth as well: You want to kiss your baby with minty-fresh breath and smile at him or her with pearly whites. So brush twice a day and floss at least once. And get to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning – more often if you suffer from gum disease. You'll save on (bigger) dental bills and be more kissable, and your heart might hold out longer, too.

3. Guard against depression

As many as 1 in 5 new mothers suffers from postpartum depression, often triggered by the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy and nursing and the stress of new responsibilities and life changes. But despite the publicity generated by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Brooke Shields, many of us still have an "it can't happen to me" attitude when it comes to depression.

Here's the thing: Depression can sneak up on you when you're least likely to notice, mimicking the symptoms of other conditions. For example, if you're so sleep-deprived you can't see straight, you may attribute lethargy, fatigue, and feeling overwhelmed to exhaustion rather than recognizing them for what they are, signs that you're suffering from a major illness.

Also, stress is a trigger of depression, so if you're under a lot of pressure from going back to work or juggling too many responsibilities, you can be at risk. Make sure you're getting plenty of support from family and friends, since social isolation can contribute to depression. And if you suspect you're feeling lower than you should, talk to your doctor.

See the other seven strategies for being healthier and living longer.

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