The good news is we each hold a lot of power when it comes to our health. We have the unique opportunity to prevent, stall or lessen the impact of some diseases. Staying healthy is still a matter of the lifestyle choices we make.  Partner with your doctor and check with your insurance company to see what screening tests are appropriate for you and family members free of charge.

You’ll find tools and resources including a personal check-list here to help you keep track of tests, screenings and your numbers.

Your Role:

Preventive Services Covered Under the Affordable Care Act - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Find out which preventive services must be covered without your having to pay a copayment or co-insurance or meet your deductible.

Everyday Healthy Living Quiz - healthfinder.gov
Find tips and suggestions to being and staying healthy.

Watch Your Weight - healthfinder.gov
A healthy diet and physical activity can help you control your weight. Also, check your Body Mass Index here.

Daily Food Plan - choosemyplate.gov
Want to know the amount of each food group you need daily? Enter your information to find out and receive a customized Daily Food Plan.

Nutrition Facts Label - Food and Drug Administration
The more familiar you are with nutrition label information, the more you’ll want to use it daily to ensure you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Get Active! - healthfinder.gov
Regular physical activity is good for your health. Learn all the benefits, tips and activities.

Tips for Increasing Physical Activity
Make physical activity a regular part of the day.

Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation - healthfinder.gov
If you choose to drink, have only a moderate (limited) amount. Learn what the right amount is for you.

Quit Smoking - healthfinder.gov
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health. The sooner you quit, the sooner your body can start to heal.

New York State Smokers’ Quitsite - The New York State Department of Health
Tobacco Control Program - myths and facts, quitting assistance and an online community.

Baby & Me - Tobacco Free
Free program to help pregnant women quit smoking and remain smoke-free.

My Life Check - The American Heart Association
Any person can make these changes, the steps are not expensive to take and even modest improvements to your health will make a big difference.

Preventive Guidelines PDF – Men - Independent Health   
Use this chart to remind yourself when you or your loved ones might be due for a physical exam or lab test.

Preventive Guidelines PDF – Women - Independent Health  
Use this chart to remind yourself when you or your loved ones might be due for a physical exam or lab test.

Preventive Guidelines PDF – Children - American Academy of Pediatrics    
Recommendations for pediatric preventive health care.

$0 Preventive Services - Independent Health 
A list of FREE preventive services.

High Blood Pressure:

Get Your Blood Pressure Checked - healthfinder.gov
It’s important to check your blood pressure often, especially if you are over age 40.

10 Ways to Control High Blood Pressure Without Medication - The Mayo Clinic
By making these 10 lifestyle changes, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Managing Blood Pressure With a Heart-Healthy Diet - The American Heart Association
Eating a heart-healthy diet is important for managing your blood pressure and reducing your risk of heart attack, heart disease, stroke and other diseases.

Type 2 Diabetes:

Take Steps to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes - healthfinder.gov
You can do a lot to prevent or delay getting type 2 diabetes including watching your weight, eating healthy and staying active.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test - American Diabetes Association
Interactive test to determine your risk.

My Health Advisor - American Diabetes Association (will not work on most mobile devices)
My Health Advisor calculates your risk then gives you a personalized action plan.

Colorectal Cancer:

Get Tested for Colorectal Cancer - healthfinder.gov
Talk with your doctor and ask about your risk for colorectal cancer. All it takes is a visit to the doctor to have a special exam (called a screening).

Colorectal Cancer Screening - National Cancer Institute
What is a colorectal cancer screening?

Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Early Detection - American Cancer Society
Find out more about these tests and about the risk factors for colorectal cancer here.

Breast Cancer:

Get Tested for Breast Cancer - healthfinder.gov
Mammograms can help find breast cancer early. Many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early.

Breast Cancer Screening Reminder - American Cancer Society
Sign up for a breast cancer screening reminder.

Breast Cancer Prevention - National Cancer Institute
Learn about risk and protective factors for breast cancer.

The Breast Cancer Network of Western New York
Education, advocacy, and support in Western New York. 

Cancer Services Program of Erie County 
A statewide initiative that provides free breast, cervical, and colon cancer screenings and education to eligible, uninsured men and women.

New York State Department of Health
Find New York State related information and resources on various health topics.

Erie County Department of Health
Find Erie County related information and resources on various health topics.

Niagara County Department of Health
Find Niagara County related information and resources on various health topics.