Follow these tips to take charge of your health.
Talk about it.
Don’t be embarrassed to talk about your health. Start by talking to family members to find out which diseases run in your family. Use this family health history tool to keep track of what you learn. Share this information with your doctor.
Make small changes every day.
Small changes can add up to big results, like lowering your risk of diabetes or heart disease.
- Take a walk instead of having a cigarette.
- Try a green salad instead of fries.
- Drink water instead of soda or juice.
- Skip the salt.
Find more quick tips to keep you healthy.
Get screening tests to find diseases early.
Screenings are medical tests that check for diseases. Screenings can help doctors find diseases early, when the diseases may be easier to treat.
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your prostate.
All men have a prostate. The male prostate is a small sex gland that makes fluid to carry sperm. It’s located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
Ask your doctor about taking aspirin every day.
If you are over age 45, taking aspirin every day could lower your risk of heart attack. Talk with your doctor about whether daily aspirin is right for you.
What about cost?
Many insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, will cover the cost of recommended preventive services like screening tests and shots.
Also, many preventative services are covered under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get screenings and shots at no cost to you.
Check with your insurance provider to find out what’s included in your plan.
You can still get health care even if you don’t have insurance. Find a health center near you and make an appointment.