Make Prevention Your Default
Have a Primary Care Doctor
A primary care physician is your home base in the healthcare system. They track your health over time, coordinate specialists, recommend screenings based on your age, history, and risk factors, and catch changes in your numbers before they turn into problems. If you don't have one, choosing a primary care doctor is the single most useful healthcare decision you can make this year.
Get Regular Checkups
Regular checkups let your doctor track key health indicators such as blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, cholesterol, and blood sugar. How often you need a full physical depends on your age and health; ask your doctor what schedule makes sense. Use these visits to discuss your sleep, stress, alcohol use, mental health, and anything you've noticed changing.
Know Your Screening Schedule
Screening recommendations depend on age and risk. For men, common recommendations include regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, and diabetes screening for adults with overweight or obesity. Colorectal cancer screening is generally recommended from age 45 to 75, with several test options available. Men aged 55 to 69 should talk with their doctor about whether prostate cancer screening is right for them. Annual lung cancer screening is recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, and men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked are recommended to have a one-time ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Your doctor may recommend earlier or additional screening based on family history or other risk factors.
Stay Current on Vaccines
Adults need vaccines too. Common adult vaccines include an annual flu shot, a tetanus and diphtheria booster every 10 years, and, depending on age and risk, vaccines for shingles, pneumococcal disease, hepatitis B, HPV, RSV, and COVID-19. Vaccine recommendations have been updated frequently, so check the current adult schedule with your doctor or pharmacist.
Don't Skip Dental and Eye Care
Regular dental visits help prevent cavities and gum disease, which have been linked to broader health problems. Routine eye exams can detect vision changes and conditions such as glaucoma, as well as signs of diabetes and high blood pressure.
Build the Daily Habits That Prevent Disease
Most chronic disease risk is shaped by daily habits. Eat mostly whole foods with plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and protein, while limiting added sugar, excess sodium, and ultra-processed foods. Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity, each week, plus strength training at least twice weekly. Get at least seven hours of sleep most nights, and manage stress with tools that work for you, from exercise and time outdoors to breathing practices and talking with people you trust.
Choose Providers and Hospitals Wisely
Check Credentials
Before choosing a doctor, confirm that they're licensed and in good standing through your state medical board. If you're seeing a specialist, you can verify board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties' Certification Matters website or the relevant specialty board. Ask about their experience with your specific condition or procedure – for surgery, how often they perform it is especially relevant.
Compare Hospital Quality
Hospital quality varies. Medicare's Care Compare tool provides ratings and quality measures for hospitals and other providers, and The Leapfrog Group publishes hospital safety grades based on measures related to infections, errors, and patient safety. Use these resources alongside your doctor's advice when choosing where to have a procedure.
Use the Right Level of Care
Choosing the right setting saves time and money and gets you appropriate care. Your primary care doctor is best for checkups, ongoing conditions, and non-urgent concerns. Telehealth can be convenient for minor illnesses, medication questions, and follow-ups. Urgent care centers handle non-life-threatening problems that need same-day attention, such as minor injuries or infections. Emergency rooms are for serious or life-threatening conditions. Call 911 for symptoms such as chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, severe shortness of breath, or severe bleeding.
Be an Active Participant in Your Care
Prepare for Every Appointment
Bring a list of symptoms, questions, and current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Prioritize your most important concerns so they're addressed first.
Ask Clear Questions
Ask what your diagnosis is, what else it could be, why a test or treatment is recommended, what the risks and alternatives are, and what symptoms should prompt you to call or seek emergency care. If you don't understand the explanation, ask your doctor to explain it in plain language.
Bring Backup
For major appointments, procedures, or hospital stays, bring a trusted friend or family member who can listen, take notes, and speak up for you.
Get a Second Opinion
For a serious diagnosis or major treatment decision, a second opinion is standard and reasonable. It can confirm the plan, offer alternatives, or reveal something that was missed.
Use Your Patient Portal
Patient portals let you view test results, visit notes, medications, and upcoming appointments, and message your care team. Review your results and ask questions about anything abnormal. Don't assume that no news is good news – follow up if you haven't heard back.
Stay Safe With Medications
Ask the Essential Questions
For every new prescription, ask what the medication is for, how and when to take it, how long you'll take it, what side effects to watch for, and whether it interacts with any other medications, supplements, foods, or alcohol. Your pharmacist is an excellent and often underused resource for these questions.
Keep a Complete Medication List
Maintain an up-to-date list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements, along with your allergies. Share it with every provider and keep a copy on your phone.
Check Before You Take
If a pill looks different from usual or the instructions differ from what you were told, ask your pharmacist before taking it.
Store and Dispose Properly
Store medications as directed, out of reach of children and pets and away from heat and humidity. Don't use expired medications. Dispose of unused or expired drugs through pharmacy or community take-back programs whenever possible, or follow FDA disposal guidance if no take-back option is available.
Stay Safe in the Hospital
Prevent Infections
Healthcare-associated infections are a serious risk in hospitals. Clean hands are one of the most effective defenses, so it's appropriate to ask staff and visitors whether they've cleaned their hands before touching you. If you have an IV line or urinary catheter, ask each day whether it's still needed, since the risk of infection increases the longer these devices remain in place.
Protect Surgical Sites
Follow wound-care instructions carefully, keep incisions clean, and report redness, swelling, drainage, fever, or increasing pain promptly.
Confirm Procedures and Identity
Expect staff to confirm your identity before procedures and medications. Before surgery, confirm the procedure and surgical site with your care team.
Understand Discharge Instructions
Before leaving the hospital, make sure you understand your medications, wound care, activity limits, warning signs, and follow-up appointments. Ask for written instructions and a contact number for questions.
Everyday Wellness Habits That Pay Off
Hydrate Smartly
Water supports temperature regulation, circulation, and performance. Fluid needs vary by body size, activity, and climate, and food contributes a significant share of daily intake, so there's no single target that fits everyone. Drink regularly throughout the day, more during exercise and hot weather, and choose water over sugary drinks.
Protect Your Mental Health
Mental health is part of your health. Stay connected with friends and family, make time for activities that matter to you, and use stress-management techniques consistently. If you experience persistent low mood, anxiety, irritability, or hopelessness, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US.
Prevent Injuries
Set up your workstation so your monitor is at eye level and your feet rest flat on the floor, and take regular breaks from sitting. Lift with a hip hinge, keeping loads close to your body and avoiding twisting. Wear protective gear for sports and work when needed, and reduce fall hazards at home with good lighting and clear walkways.
Watch Your Environment
Ventilate your home, use exhaust fans while cooking, and check local air quality reports on poor-air days, especially if you have asthma or another respiratory condition. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours. Use household chemicals and pesticides according to label directions with adequate ventilation.
Make Smart Financial Healthcare Decisions
Understand Your Coverage
Know your plan's deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum, and whether your doctors and hospitals are in-network. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans cover many recommended preventive services without cost-sharing when you use an in-network provider. Confirm what your plan covers before scheduling care.
Get Cost Estimates
Before non-emergency procedures, ask for an estimate and confirm that both the facility and the providers involved are in-network. If you're uninsured or paying out of pocket, providers are generally required to give you a good-faith estimate of expected charges. Hospitals are also required to publish price information, though it can be difficult to compare.
Know Your Surprise Billing Protections
The federal No Surprises Act protects many patients from surprise bills for emergency care and for certain out-of-network services received at in-network facilities. If you receive an unexpected bill, review your rights and contact your insurer or provider before paying.
Plan Ahead
An emergency fund that can cover your deductible makes it easier to get care when you need it. If you have a high-deductible health plan, a health savings account can help you save for medical expenses with tax advantages. If you face large medical bills, ask about itemized billing, payment plans, and hospital financial assistance programs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common mistakes include going years without a checkup, ignoring warning symptoms, using the emergency room for non-urgent problems, failing to confirm whether providers are in-network, not keeping a medication list, leaving a hospital without understanding discharge instructions, and assuming preventive care isn't worth the time.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical, legal, or financial advice. Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider about screenings, vaccines, medications, and treatment, and confirm coverage and costs with your insurer. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
FAQ
What health screenings should men get?
Recommendations depend on age and risk factors and commonly include blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colorectal cancer, and, in some cases, lung, prostate, and abdominal aortic aneurysm screening. Your doctor can tell you which apply to you.
How do I check if my doctor is qualified?
Verify their license through your state medical board and their specialty certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties or the relevant specialty board.
When should I go to urgent care instead of the ER?
Urgent care is appropriate for non-life-threatening problems that need prompt attention. Go to the ER or call 911 for chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe breathing problems, or other serious emergencies.
Are preventive services free?
Under the Affordable Care Act, most plans cover many recommended preventive services without cost-sharing when you use in-network providers. Check your plan for details.
What should I do with a surprise medical bill?
Review the bill, check whether federal surprise billing protections apply, and contact your insurer and provider before paying.
The Bottom Line
Smarter healthcare comes down to a few repeatable habits: build a relationship with a primary care doctor, stay current on screenings and vaccines, choose quality providers, use the right level of care, manage medications carefully, speak up in the hospital, and understand your costs before you receive care. Pair that with daily habits that protect your health, and you'll spend less time as a patient and more time performing at your best.
📚 Sources
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force – Recommendations: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation-topics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Adult Immunization Schedule: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Care Compare: https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/
The Leapfrog Group – Hospital Safety Grade: https://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/
American Board of Medical Specialties – Certification Matters: https://www.certificationmatters.org/
U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Drug Disposal: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/safe-disposal-medicines/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – No Surprises Act: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
