Other Important Dates:

October 9—National Depression Screening Day:
If you feel drained and unable to enjoy life, log on to MentalHealth.org to find a local screening site.

Third Thursday in November—the Great American Smokeout:
Make a big X on that date if you smoke (call 800-ACS-2345 for information).

Vacation:
Block it out now and start thinking about what you want to do. Hang a photo on your bulletin board of the beach you'll be visiting, get the maps out, do some preparatory reading. The planning and anticipation will prolong your fun.

Trouble spots:
Circle times you know will be tough (the anniversary of a death, Valentine's Day) and start thinking about how to make these days easier.

Look-forward-tos:
Make six dates you can't wait for—a girls' night out, tickets to a concert series, a romantic getaway.

Do-it days:
Make six dates when you will spend the day crossing off all the things on your to-do list that never seem to get done.

Major occasions:
Write down the date when you should start preparing for a big event, not just the date of the event itself (your parents' 50th anniversary, your turn to host Thanksgiving).

Traditions:
If there are rituals you loved as a child—apple picking in September, caroling in December—add them to your adult life.

Plus, find a half hour every day to read a novel or meditate or have sex.

More ways to get better healthcare:

• The most reliable health sites on the web
• What's in Dr. Oz's Medicine Cabinet?
• How to get the best medical care from your doctor