As your partner in health, we want to make sure you're living your healthiest life. Keep yourself and your family healthy by getting the care you need. Log in or register your MyHealth account to find more health information.

Annual checkup

Call your doctor and schedule your annual checkup. Your checkup is a good time to discuss any health problems or concerns you have. It will help you stay up-to-date on the care you need to be healthy. Women should ask about other health topics at their doctor visit, including screenings for cervical cancer (pap smear) and breast cancer.

Be sure to discuss all health conditions when you see your doctor, even if you've had a condition for years. It's important to talk about any concerns you have or tests you may need.

If you're a Healthy Michigan Plan member, filling out a Health Risk Assessment form during your annual checkup will help you meet your healthy behavior requirement. It could also reduce the amount owed in your monthly MI Health Account.

Know your BMI

Your body mass index (BMI) tells you how much body fat you have. It's a quick and painless way of screening for potential health problems. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is healthy for adults. A BMI of 25 or over means you're at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and more.

Quit smoking

If you're a smoker, it's important that you quit. Quitting smoking can help prevent heart disease, many cancers, birth complications and more. If you're trying to quit, remember - every day without a cigarette is one step closer to a smoke-free life. There are many resources available to help you quit smoking, such as Michigan's free quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. You can speak with a trained professional who will point you to resources and programs to help you quit.

Heart health

You can have high blood pressure no matter your age. High blood pressure heightens your risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases. Doctors recommend that blood pressure be 140/90 or lower. Tips for keeping your heart healthy include:

• Eating more fruits and vegetables
• Getting active
• Managing stress
• Quitting smoking
• Consuming alcohol in moderation if you drink

Immunizations (shots)

Immunizations protect you and your family from getting and spreading serious diseases. Ask your doctor if you and your family are up to date on these shots:

• Influenza helps protect against the flu.
• Hepatitis B protects against a liver disease that could be deadly.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) protects against HPV, a very common virus spread through sexual contact. Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer.
• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
• Pneumococcal protects against pneumococcal pneumonia, a lung infection that can be deadly.
• Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster protects against diphtheria, a bacterial infection that can be deadly; lockjaw, a jaw disorder; and whooping cough.
• Varicella protects against chickenpox, which can be deadly in adults.

Back Next