Protecting your health

Q: I’m worried that in the future, my family is going to have a hard time finding health insurance and affording health care. How we can make sure we are protected? – Julia P., Garden City, Kan.

A: Good health care coverage includes preventive health services, such as vaccinations and checkups as well as medical treatment. That’s why losing health insurance is a threat to you, your family and society.

What can you do? Speak up: make your worries known to your representatives. Then take steps to make sure you and your family avoid preventable health problems.

The American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 guidelines on protecting your heart also help you fight lifestyle-triggered cancers, reduce weight-related digestive, mental and joint problems, beat diabetes and stay happy.

1. Stop smoking (go to http://cle.clinic/2l3GPUF for help).

2. Get daily physical activity (10,000 steps daily or equivalent).

3. Upgrade your nutrition.

4. Maintain a body mass index below 30.

5. Control your blood pressure.

6. Control your cholesterol.

7. Control your glucose level. Support accessible health-care coverage for everyone, and take responsibility for making sure you and yours are as healthy as possible at every stage of life.