Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Take steps today to lower your risk of heart disease. 

To help prevent heart disease, you can: 

• Eat a heart-healthy diet
• Get active 
• Stay at a healthy weight 
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke 
• Control your cholesterol, blood glucose (sugar), and blood pressure 
• Drink alcohol only in moderation 
• Manage stress 
• Get enough sleep

Am I at risk for heart disease?

Anyone can get heart disease, but you’re at higher risk if you: 

• Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes 
• Smoke 
• Have overweight or obesity  
• Don't get enough physical activity 
• Don't eat a healthy diet  
• Had a condition called preeclampsia during pregnancy

Your age and family history also affect your risk for heart disease. Your risk is higher if:  

• You’re a woman over age 55 
• You’re a man over age 45 
• Your father or brother had heart disease before age 55 
• Your mother or sister had heart disease before age 65 

But the good news is there's a lot you can do to prevent heart disease. 

When people talk about heart disease, they’re usually talking about coronary heart disease (CHD). It’s also sometimes called coronary artery disease (CAD). This is the most common type of heart disease. 

When someone has CHD, the coronary arteries (tubes) that take blood to the heart are narrow or blocked, which makes it hard for oxygen-rich blood to get to the heart. This happens when cholesterol and fatty material, called plaque, build up inside the arteries. 

Several things can lead to plaque building up inside your arteries, including:

• Too much cholesterol in the blood 
• High blood pressure 
• Smoking 
• Too much sugar in the blood because of diabetes

When plaque blocks an artery, it’s hard for blood to flow to the heart. A blocked artery can cause chest pain or a heart attack. Learn more about CHD. 

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is suddenly blocked. Part of the heart may die if the person doesn’t get help quickly. 

Some common signs and symptoms of a heart attack include: 

• Pain or discomfort in the center or left side of the chest — or a feeling of pressure, squeezing, or fullness 
• Pain or discomfort in the upper body — like the arms, back, shoulders, neck, jaw, or upper stomach (above the belly button) 
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing (while resting or being active) 
• Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up 
• Stomachache or feeling like you have heartburn  
• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or unusually tired 
• Breaking out in a cold sweat 

Not everyone who has a heart attack will have all the signs or symptoms. Learn more about the signs of a heart attack. 

Don’t ignore changes in how you feel.

Symptoms of a heart attack often come on suddenly. But sometimes, they develop slowly — hours, days, or even weeks before a heart attack happens. 

Talk to your doctor if you feel unusually tired for several days or if you develop any new health problems, like pain or trouble breathing. It's also important to talk to your doctor if existing health issues, like pain, are bothering you more than usual. 

If you’ve had a heart attack in the past, it’s important to know that symptoms of a new heart attack might be different from your last one — so talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about how you feel.  

Call 911 right away if you or someone else has signs of a heart attack.

Don’t ignore any signs or feel embarrassed to call for help. Acting fast can save a life — so call 911 even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack. 

An ambulance is the best and safest way to get to the hospital. In an ambulance, EMTs (emergency medical technicians) can keep track of how you’re doing and start life-saving treatments right away. 

When you call 911, the operator can tell you what to do until the ambulance gets there. 

Take steps today to lower your risk for heart disease.

Control your cholesterol,  blood pressure, and blood glucose (sugar).

High cholesterol and high blood pressure can make you more likely to have heart disease or a heart attack. If your cholesterol or blood pressure numbers are high, you can take steps to lower them. And if you have diabetes, it’s also very important to regularly check your blood glucose levels and make sure it’s not too high. That’s because over time, high levels of blood glucose can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

Get your cholesterol checked.

It’s important to get your cholesterol checked at least every 4 to 6 years. Some people will need to get it checked more or less often. Learn more about cholesterol testing. 

Get your blood pressure checked.

Starting at age 18 years, get your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure has no symptoms, so you need to get your blood pressure checked to find out if it’s healthy. Learn more about blood pressure testing. 

Get your blood glucose checked.

Over time, high levels of blood glucose can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. That’s why it’s important to get your blood glucose checked regularly, especially if you’re age 45 years and older. Keeping track of your blood glucose — and taking steps to lower it if it’s too high — can also help you prevent type 2 diabetes. Learn more about preventing type 2 diabetes. 

Use the MyHealthfinder tool to get personalized recommendations for screening tests and vaccines. 

Know your family’s health history.

Your family history affects your risk for heart disease. Use this family health history tool to keep track of your family’s health. Share the information with your doctor or nurse. 

If you’re worried about a family member’s risk for heart disease, use these tips to start a conversation about heart health. 

Ask your doctor about taking aspirin every day.

If you’re between the ages of 40 and 59 years, taking aspirin every day may lower your risk of heart attack and stroke — but doctors don’t recommend it for everyone. Talk with your doctor to find out if taking aspirin is the right choice for you. 

Talk to your doctor about taking medicine to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Experts recommend that some people ages 40 to 75 years take medicines called statins if they’re at high risk for heart attack and stroke. Use these questions to talk with your doctor about statins. 

Eat heart-healthy foods.

Eating healthy can help lower your risk of heart disease. A heart-healthy diet includes foods that are low in saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium (salt). Learn more about eating healthy. 

Heart-healthy items include:

• High-fiber foods, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• Foods with healthy unsaturated fats, like avocados, nuts, and fish (like salmon and sardines) 

Try to limit foods that:

• Are high in saturated fat, including fatty meats (like beef), full-fat dairy products (like whole milk or cheese), and tropical oils (like coconut and palm oil)
• Have added sugars, like sweetened beverages, candy, and desserts 
• Have a lot of sodium (salt), like deli meats and bacon, frozen dinners, and some canned foods

Use this shopping list to find heart-healthy foods. 

You can also check out these heart-healthy recipe collections: 

• Heart-Healthy Cooking 
• Heart Healthy Home Cooking African American Style [PDF – 6.6 MB] 
• Delicious Heart Healthy Latino Recipes [PDF – 3 MB] (in English and Spanish) 

Don’t forget to make healthy choices when you eat out. For example, ask for a side salad instead of chips or french fries. Get heart-healthy tips for dining out [PDF – 3 MB]. 

Drink alcohol only in moderation.

Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of heart disease. So if you choose to drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. That means 1 drink or less in a day for women and 2 drinks or less in a day for men.  

Learn more about drinking alcohol only in moderation. 

People who have overweight or obesity are at an increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

If you have overweight or obesity, losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help lower your risk of heart disease. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, that would mean losing 10 to 20 pounds. Find out how to control your weight. 

If you don’t know if you’re at a healthy weight, use this calculator to figure out your body mass index (BMI). 

Get active.

Getting regular physical activity can help prevent heart disease. Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. This includes anything that gets your heart beating faster — like walking, dancing, and biking. 

If you’re just getting started, take it slow! Try fitting a quick walk into your day. Even 5 minutes has real health benefits — and you can build up to more activity over time. Learn more about getting active. 

Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.

Quitting smoking helps lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free support and to set up your plan for quitting. Get more information about quitting smoking.  

Avoiding secondhand smoke is important, too — so keep your home smoke-free. If you have guests who smoke, ask them to smoke outside. If someone in your home smokes, use these tips to start a conversation about quitting.

Manage stress.

Managing stress can help prevent serious health problems like heart disease, depression, and high blood pressure. Deep breathing and meditation are good ways to relax and manage stress. Get more ideas for how to manage stress.

Get enough sleep.

Good sleep lowers your risk for many chronic diseases, including heart disease. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Learn more about getting enough sleep. 

It's important for a woman who can get pregnant or is planning to get pregnant to take a daily supplement with 400 to 800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Taking a folic acid supplement in addition to following a healthy eating routine can help prevent serious health problems for babies. 

Why is folic acid important?

Folic acid is a type of folate added to supplements and foods. Folate is a vitamin that’s especially important if you’re pregnant or may become pregnant. It can help prevent serious problems with your baby’s brain and spine.

Getting enough folic acid is important even when you aren’t planning to get pregnant. It’s most important to take folic acid at least 1 month before you get pregnant and through the first 3 months of pregnancy. 

Talk to your doctor about folic acid.

How can I get enough folic acid?

You can take a multivitamin that includes folic acid or a supplement that has only folic acid. You can find multivitamins and folic acid supplements at most pharmacies and grocery stores. Get tips for choosing a multivitamin with folic acid.

Be sure to check the label and choose a multivitamin or supplement with 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid. This label shows a multivitamin with 400 mcg folic acid.

 

Make it easy to remember.

• Take your folic acid at the same time every day — for example, take it when you brush your teeth in the morning or when you eat breakfast
• Leave the bottle somewhere you’ll notice it every day, like on the kitchen counter — but be sure to keep it out of reach of young children

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans must cover folic acid supplements for women who may become pregnant. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get folic acid supplements at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get help paying for folic acid supplements: 

• Get connected with free or low-cost services in your state by calling 1-800-311-BABY (1-800-311-2229)
• Find a health center near you and ask about folic acid supplements

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for women covered by the Affordable Care Act 
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Learn more about health insurance options for pregnant women.

In addition to taking a folic acid supplement, it’s important to follow a healthy eating routine. Learn how to build a healthy eating routine [PDF – 1.6 MB]. 

Make sure to include foods with folate in your eating routine. Many healthy foods have folate, including:

• Spinach and other leafy greens
• Asparagus
• Oranges and orange juice
• Beans and peas

Folic acid is also added to foods like many cereals, breads, pastas, and other foods made with grains. Check the Nutrition Facts label and choose foods with folic acid.  

Use these resources to:

• Find foods with folic acid and folate
• Learn more about healthy eating

More than 1 in 4 older adults fall each year, meaning falls are common. But you can make small changes to help prevent falls. 

Falling can lead to broken bones, trouble getting around, and other problems — especially if you’re age 65 years or older. A fracture (broken bone) can cause pain and disability. It can also make it hard to do everyday activities, like cooking or taking a shower, without help. A broken hip may lead to serious health problems — and even death.

The good news is that there are lots of things you can do to lower your risk of falling. Consider these steps:

• Talk with your doctor or nurse about falls and how to prevent them
• Do exercises to improve your balance and strength
• Review all the medicines you take with your doctor or pharmacist — some medicines can make you dizzy or sleepy and increase your risk of falling
• Get your vision checked by an eye doctor every year — and be sure to update your glasses or contact lenses when your vision changes
• Make your home safer — for example, get rid of things you could trip over (like loose rugs), add grab bars inside and outside your bathtub or shower, and put railings on both sides of stairs

What makes falling more likely?

As people age, poor balance and weaker muscles can lead to falls and fractures. Some older adults also have vision problems or medical conditions that can make a fall more likely. For example, diabetes can reduce feeling in your feet, and a stroke can affect your balance. These conditions can raise your risk of falling.

You may be more likely to fall if you:

• Have fallen in the past year
• Have a health condition that affects your balance or makes it harder to walk, like diabetes or heart disease
• Have trouble walking, getting up from a chair, or stepping up onto a curb
• Take many different medicines, especially medicines to help you relax or sleep
• Have trouble seeing or have a vision problem like cataracts or glaucoma

Use this checklist to find out if you’re at risk for falling [PDF - 1.8 MB].

If you’re worried about falling, talk to your doctor or nurse about how balance exercises and physical therapy might help. Find out more about preventing falls and fractures.

Many falls are preventable. Follow these steps to lower your risk of falling.

Get physical activity.

Staying active can help you feel better, improve your balance, and make your legs stronger. Learn more:

• Get tips for staying active as you get older
• Find out how staying active can help you stay healthy
• Check out this free workout guide for older adults [PDF - 39.7 MB]

Improve your balance.

Exercises that improve your balance can help prevent falls. For example, tai chi is a mind-body exercise that can help with balance. You can:

• Check with your local community center or senior center for physical activity classes that can help your balance
• Try these simple exercises to improve your balance

Build your muscle strength. 

Do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. These include lifting weights or using resistance bands (long, stretchy rubber strips).

Try these strength exercises at home.

There’s a lot your doctor can do to help keep you safe from falls. Talk with your doctor about your risk of falling.

Talk with your doctor about using medicines safely.

Using medicines safely can help prevent falls. Some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy and increase your risk of falling. 

Take a list of all your medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) to a doctor or pharmacist and ask if any of them could raise your risk of falling.

Learn more about using medicines safely. You can also print this list of questions to ask your doctor about preventing falls and take it with you to your next appointment.

Get your vision checked.

Your vision changes as you get older. And poor vision can increase your risk of falling.

Get your eyes checked every year to make sure you’re wearing glasses or contact lenses with the right prescription strength. Be sure to update your glasses or contacts if your prescription has changed. Read more about keeping your vision healthy.

Get a bone density test.

If you’re a woman age 65 years or older, get a bone density test to measure how strong your bones are. If you’re a woman age 64 years or younger and you have gone through menopause, ask your doctor if you need a bone density test. Learn more about bone density tests.

If you have osteoporosis, a disease that weakens your bones so that they can break easily, ask your doctor or nurse what steps you can take to stop bone loss and lower your risk of fractures.

Help prevent falls at home.

Many falls happen inside the home. Here are some steps you can take to make your home safer:

• Have railings put on both sides of all stairs inside and outside of your home
• Have grab bars put inside and outside your bathtub or shower and next to the toilet
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower
• Remove small rugs or use double-sided tape to keep rugs from sliding
• Use bright lights throughout your home, especially on the stairs
• Keep stairs and places where you walk clear of clutter — pick up or move things you can trip over, like cords, papers, shoes, or books
• Keep kitchen items you use often in easy-to-reach cabinets or shelves

Use this checklist to help prevent falls at home [PDF - 2.6 MB].

And be sure to follow these safety tips:

• Always wear shoes with non-slip soles, even inside your home — don’t walk barefoot or wear slippers with smooth soles or socks instead of shoes
• When you're getting out of a chair, stand up slowly
• When you're getting out of bed, sit up first and then stand up slowly

Get enough calcium.

Getting enough calcium can help keep your bones strong and make them less likely to break. You can:

• Learn how to get enough calcium
• Check out this shopping list of foods high in calcium

Get plenty of sleep.

Getting enough sleep can help you be more alert so you’re less likely to fall. Find tips for getting enough sleep.

Avoid or limit alcohol use.

Alcohol can raise your risk of falling. If you choose to drink alcohol, it’s important to drink only in moderation to help you stay safe and avoid injuries. Read about drinking in moderation.

Help your loved one prevent falls.

If you’re a caregiver, there’s a lot you can do to protect older adults in your life. You can:

• Check out this resource on helping loved ones prevent falls [PDF - 3.6 MB]
• Use these tips to start a conversation about preventing falls

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), that you can get during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. A pregnant woman can also pass these STIs to their baby during birth. 

How do I know if I have an STI? 

Getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have an STI. Most people who have an STI don’t feel sick or have any symptoms. 

It’s also important to talk with a doctor or nurse if someone you recently had sex with has an STI. 

Is there a cure for chlamydia and gonorrhea? 

Chlamydia and gonorrhea can both be cured with the right treatment. If these STIs aren’t treated, they can cause serious health problems, like making it difficult or impossible to get pregnant. 

If you have an STI, it’s important to get treatment right away. It’s also important to tell any sex partners you have about your STI so they can get treated, too. This can help protect others from getting an infection and protect you from getting the infection again. 

It’s a good idea to get tested again 3 months after you finish treatment. That’s because getting chlamydia and gonorrhea again is common.

Who needs to get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea?

Women are more likely than men to have serious health problems from untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea, and the recommendations for getting tested are different for women and men: 

For women:

• If you're age 24 years or younger and having sex, get tested once every year
• If you're age 25 years or older, get tested every year if you're at higher risk for infection

For example, you may be at higher risk if you have:

• More than 1 sex partner
• A new sex partner
• A sex partner with an STI

For men:

• Talk with a doctor to find out if you need to get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other STIs

Learn more about getting tested for STIs. 

If you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to have an honest talk with your doctor or nurse about your sexual activity. The information you share with them, along with STI screening recommendations, will help them figure out if you need to get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or any other STIs. 

What are the signs of chlamydia or gonorrhea?

Many people who have chlamydia or gonorrhea don’t have any signs or symptoms. But symptoms for chlamydia and gonorrhea are very similar when they do happen. 

Women with symptoms may have:

• Abnormal discharge (fluid) from the vagina
• Pain or burning when they urinate (pee)
• Bleeding between periods

Men with symptoms may have:

• Abnormal discharge from the penis
• Burning when they urinate
• Painful or swollen testicles (though this symptom is less common)

People can also have an infection in their rectum (the part of the body that connects the colon to the anus). This doesn’t always cause symptoms. But when symptoms do happen, they can include:

• Discharge or bleeding from the anus
• Itching or soreness around the anus
• Painful bowel movements (pain when pooping)

See a doctor or nurse if you or your partner notice any of these symptoms.

How do doctors test for chlamydia and gonorrhea?

A doctor or nurse can test your urine for both chlamydia and gonorrhea. Sometimes, the doctor might take a sample from the vagina, penis, rectum, or throat instead. The test is easy and painless.

Learn more about chlamydia:

• Chlamydia facts
• Women and chlamydia

Learn more about gonorrhea:

• Gonorrhea facts
• Women and gonorrhea

Get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea if you're at risk, if you or a partner has any STI symptoms, or if your partner has an STI. Talk with any sex partners you have about getting tested, too.

Make an appointment at a health center or clinic.

If you think you may be at risk, talk with your doctor about getting tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Be sure to ask about getting tested for HIV, too.

To find an STI clinic near you:

• Enter your ZIP code to find a local testing site
• Call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover some STI testing and prevention counseling. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Talk to your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover some STI testing and counseling at no cost for people who are at risk. Learn about Medicare coverage for STI testing and counseling.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost STI testing. Use this resource to find free testing near you.

To learn more, check out these resources about:

• Free preventive care covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Stay safe.

The most reliable way to protect yourself from STIs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Wait to have sex until you and any sex partners have tested negative for STIs.

Here are some other ways to protect yourself from STIs:

• Use a condom the right way every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex,  and leave it on from start to finish
• Make sure you and any sex partners have been tested for STIs
• If you know that you or a sex partner has an STI, get treated before having sex

Use these resources to: 

• Learn how to use a condom the right way
• Get tips on talking with your partner about STI testing
• Learn what to do if you test positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia    

If you're pregnant, talk with your doctor about STI testing.

Having chlamydia, gonorrhea, or another STI while you're pregnant can be very dangerous for you and your baby. Find out more about STIs and pregnancy.

Babies need to see the doctor or nurse for a “well-baby visit” 6 times before their first birthday.

A well-baby visit (also called a checkup) is when you take your baby to the doctor to make sure they’re healthy and developing normally. This is different from visits for sickness or injury.

At a well-baby visit, the doctor or nurse can help catch any problems early, when they may be easier to treat. You’ll also have a chance to ask any questions you have about caring for your baby.

Learn what to expect so you can make the most of each well-baby visit.

How often do I need to take my baby for well-baby visits?

Babies need to see the doctor or nurse at least 6 times before their first birthday. Your baby is growing and changing quickly, so regular visits are important.

For most babies, the first well-baby visit is 2 to 3 days after coming home from the hospital. After that first visit, babies need to see the doctor or nurse when they’re:

• 1 month old
• 2 months old
• 4 months old
• 6 months old
• 9 months old

If you’re worried about your baby’s health, don’t wait until the next scheduled visit — call the doctor or nurse right away.

How do I know if my baby is growing and developing on schedule?

Your baby’s doctor or nurse can help you understand how your baby is developing and learning to do new things — like smile or turn their head to hear your voice. These are sometimes called “developmental milestones.”

At each visit, the doctor or nurse will ask you how you’re doing as a parent and what new things your baby is learning to do. They may also ask how you’re feeling and if you need any support.

By age 1 month, most babies:

• Hold their hands in tight fists
• Move their arms in jerky motions
• Focus their eyes on something 8 to 12 inches away
• Like sweet smells

See a complete list of milestones for babies age 1 month.

By age 2 months, most babies:

• Lift their head when lying on their stomach
• Look at your face
• Smile when you talk to them
• React to loud sounds

See a complete list of milestones for kids age 2 months.

By age 4 months, most babies:

• Bring their hands to their mouth
• Make cooing sounds
• Hold toys that you put in their hand
• Turn their head to the sound of your voice
• Make sounds when you talk to them

See a complete list of milestones for kids age 4 months.

By age 6 months, most babies:

• Lean on their hands for support when sitting
• Roll over from their stomach to their back
• Show interest in and reach for objects
• Recognize familiar people
• Like to look at themselves in a mirror

See a complete list of milestones for kids age 6 months. 

By age 9 months, most babies:

• Make different sounds like “mamamama” and “bababababa”
• Smile or laugh when you play peek-a-boo
• Look at you when you say their name
• Sit without support

See a complete list of milestones for kids age 9 months. 

What if I'm worried about my baby's development? 

Every baby develops a little differently. But if you’re worried about your child’s growth and development, talk to your baby’s doctor or nurse. 

Learn more about newborn and infant development.

Take these steps to help you and your baby get the most out of well-baby visits.

Gather important information.

Take any medical records you have to the appointment, including a record of vaccines (shots) your baby has received and results from newborn screenings. Read about newborn screenings.

Make a list of any important changes in your baby’s life since the last doctor’s visit, like:

• Being sick
• Falling or getting injured
• Starting daycare or getting a new caregiver

Use this tool to keep track of your baby’s family health history. This information will help your doctor or nurse know if your baby is at risk for certain health problems.

Ask other caregivers about your child.

Before you visit the doctor, talk with others who care for your child, like a grandparent, daycare provider, or babysitter. They may be able to help you think of questions to ask the doctor or nurse.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover well-baby visits. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get well-baby visits at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Your child may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn about coverage options for your family.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost well-baby visits. Find a health center near you and ask about well-baby visits.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you and your family
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Make a list of questions to ask the doctor.

Before the well-baby visit, write down a few questions you have. Each well-baby visit is a great time to ask the doctor or nurse any questions about:

• How your baby is growing and developing
• How your baby is sleeping
• Feeding your baby breastmilk or formula 
• When and how to start giving your baby solid foods
• What changes and behaviors to expect in the coming months
• How to make sure your home is safe for a growing baby

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• Is my baby up to date on vaccines?
• Is my baby at a healthy weight? How can I make sure they’re getting enough to eat?
• How can I make sure my baby is sleeping safely — and getting enough sleep?
• How can I help my baby develop speech and language skills? What kind of books can I read to my baby?
• Is it okay for my baby to have screen time? How much?
• How do I clean my baby's teeth?

Take notes so you can remember the answers later.

Ask what to do if your baby gets sick.

• Make sure you know how to get in touch with a doctor or nurse when the office is closed
• Ask how to reach the doctor on call — or if there's a nurse information service you can call at night or on the weekend

Know what to expect.

During each well-baby visit, the doctor or nurse will ask you about your baby and do a physical exam. The doctor or nurse will then update your baby’s medical history with any new information.

The doctor or nurse will ask questions about your baby.

The doctor or nurse may ask about:

• Behavior: Does your baby copy your movements and sounds?
• Health: How many diapers does your baby wet each day? Does your baby spend time around people who are smoking or using e-cigarettes (vaping)?
• Safety: If you live in an older home, has it been inspected for lead? Do you have a safe car seat for your baby?
• Activities: Does your baby try to roll over? How often do you read to your baby?
• Eating habits: How often does your baby eat each day? How are you feeding your baby?
• Family: Do you have any worries about being a parent? Who can you count on to help you take care of your baby?

Your answers to questions like these will help the doctor or nurse make sure your baby is healthy, safe, and developing normally. Be honest, even if you’re worried you’re doing something wrong — the doctor or nurse is there to help you.

The doctor or nurse will also check your baby’s body.

To check your baby’s body, the doctor or nurse will:

• Measure height, weight, and the size of your baby’s head
• Take your baby’s temperature
• Check your baby’s eyes and hearing
• Check your baby’s body parts (this is called a physical exam)
• Give your baby any vaccines they need

Learn more about your baby’s health care:

• Read about what to expect at your baby’s first checkups
• Find out how to get your baby’s shots on schedule

Young children need to see the doctor or nurse for a “well-child visit” 7 times between ages 1 and 4 years.

A well-child visit (also called a checkup) is when you take your child to the doctor to make sure they’re healthy and developing normally. This is different from visits for sickness or injury.

At a well-child visit, the doctor or nurse can help catch any problems early, when they may be easier to treat. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions about things like your child’s behavior, eating habits, and sleeping habits.

Learn what to expect so you can make the most of each visit.

How often do I need to take my child for well-child visits?

Young children grow quickly, so they need to visit the doctor or nurse regularly to make sure they’re healthy and developing normally.

Children ages 1 to 4 years need to see the doctor or nurse when they’re:

• 12 months old (1 year)
• 15 months old (1 year and 3 months)
• 18 months old (1 year and 6 months)
• 24 months old (2 years)
• 30 months old (2 years and 6 months)
• 3 years old
• 4 years old

If you’re worried about your child’s health, don’t wait until the next scheduled visit — call the doctor or nurse right away.

How do I know if my child is growing and developing on schedule?

Your child’s doctor or nurse can help you understand how your child is developing and learning to do new things — like walk and talk. These are sometimes called “developmental milestones.”

Every child grows and develops differently. For example, some children will take longer to start talking than others. Learn more about child development.

At each visit, the doctor or nurse will what new things your child is learning to do. They may also ask how you’re feeling and if you need any support.

By age 12 months, most kids:

• Stand by holding on to something
• Walk with help, like by holding on to the furniture
• Call a parent "mama," "dada," or some other special name
• Look for a toy they've seen you hide

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 12 months.

By age 15 months, most kids:

• Follow simple directions, like "Pick up the toy"
• Show you a toy they like
• Try to use things they see you use, like a cup or a book
• Take a few steps on their own

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 15 months.

By age 18 months, most kids:

• Make scribbles with crayons
• Look at a few pages in a book with you
• Try to say 3 or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
• Point to show someone what they want
• Walk on their own
• Try to use a spoon

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 18 months. 

By age 24 months, most kids:

• Notice when others are hurt or upset
• Point to at least 2 body parts, like their nose, when asked
• Try to use knobs or buttons on a toy
• Kick a ball

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 24 months. 

By age 30 months, most kids:

• Name items in a picture book, like a cat or dog
• Play next to or with other kids
• Jump off the ground with both feet
• Take some clothes off by themselves, like loose pants or an open jacket

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 30 months.

By age 3 years, most kids:

• Calm down within 10 minutes after you leave them, like at a child care drop-off
• Draw a circle after you show them how
• Ask “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is Daddy?”
• Use a fork

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 3 years. 

By age 4 years, most kids:

• Avoid danger — for example, they don’t jump from tall heights at the playground
• Pretend to be something else during play, like a teacher, superhero, or dog
• Draw a person with 3 or more body parts
• Catch a large ball most of the time

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 4 years. 

Take these steps to help you and your child get the most out of well-child visits.

Gather important information.

Take any medical records you have to the appointment, including a record of vaccines (shots) your child has received.

Make a list of any important changes in your child’s life since the last doctor’s visit, like a:

• New brother or sister
• Serious illness or death in the family
• Separation or divorce — or a parent spending time in jail or prison
• Change in childcare

Use this tool to keep track of your child’s family health history. This information will help your doctor or nurse know if your child is at risk for certain health problems. 

Ask other caregivers about your child.

Before you visit the doctor, talk with others who care for your child, like a grandparent, daycare provider, or babysitter. They may be able to help you think of questions to ask the doctor or nurse.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover well-child visits. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get well-child visits at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Your child may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn about coverage options for your family.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost well-child visits. Find a health center near you and ask about well-child visits.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you and your family
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Make a list of questions you want to ask the doctor.

Before the well-child visit, write down a few questions you have. This visit is a great time to ask the doctor or nurse any questions about:

• A health condition your child has (like asthma or an allergy)
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• How to help kids in the family get along

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• Is my child up to date on vaccines?
• How can I make sure my child is getting enough physical activity?
• Is my child at a healthy weight?
• How can I help my child try different foods?
• What are appropriate ways to discipline my child?
• How much screen time is okay for young children?

Take notes so you can remember the answers later.

Ask what to do if your child gets sick. 

• Make sure you know how to get in touch with a doctor or nurse when the office is closed.
• Ask how to reach the doctor on call — or if there's a nurse information service you can call at night or during the weekend. 

Know what to expect.

During each well-child visit, the doctor or nurse will ask you questions about your child, do a physical exam, and update your child's medical history. You'll also be able to ask your questions and discuss any problems you may be having.

The doctor or nurse will ask questions about your child.

The doctor or nurse may ask about:

• Behavior: Does your child have trouble following directions?
• Health: Does your child often have stomachaches or other kinds of pain?
• Activities: What types of pretend play does your child like? What toys or other things do they most like playing with?
• Eating habits: What does your child eat on a normal day?
• Family: Have there been any changes in your family since your last visit?
• Learning: What’s something new your child learned recently?

They may also ask questions about safety, like:

• Does your child always ride in a car seat in the back seat of the car? 
• Does anyone in your home have a gun? If so, is it unloaded and locked in a place where your child can’t get it?
• Is there a swimming pool or other water around your home? Is there a locked door or gate to keep your child from getting to the pool without an adult?
• What steps have you taken to childproof your home? Do you have gates on stairs and latches on cabinets?
• Does everyone who cares for your child know when and how to call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222)?

Your answers to questions like these will help the doctor or nurse make sure your child is healthy, safe, and developing normally. Be honest, even if you’re worried you’re doing something wrong — the doctor or nurse is there to help you.

The doctor or nurse will also check your child’s body.

To check your child’s body, the doctor or nurse will:

• Measure your child’s height and weight
• Check your child’s blood pressure
• Check your child’s vision
• Check your child’s body parts (this is called a physical exam)
• Give your child any vaccines they need

Learn more about your child’s health care:

• Find out how to get your child’s shots on schedule
• Learn how to take care of your child’s vision

Breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women in the United States will get breast cancer during her lifetime. 

Anyone who has breasts can get breast cancer.

The good news is that mammograms can help find breast cancer early — before it spreads to other parts of the body. Most people can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early.

How often should I get a mammogram?

If you’re age 40 to 74 years and you have breasts, get a mammogram every 2 years.

If you have a higher risk of getting breast cancer, your doctor may recommend that you start getting mammograms at a younger age or that you get them more often. The best way to find out what’s right for you is to talk to your doctor. 

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast. Mammograms use a very low level of x-rays, which are a type of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation is very low.

Mammograms can be used to screen (test) for breast cancer in people with no signs or symptoms. They can also help doctors figure out if cancer is causing a particular symptom — like a lump or another change in the breast.

When you get a mammogram, a technician will place your breast on a platform and a plastic plate will press it flat to get a clear picture. Usually, the technician will take 2 pictures of each breast — 1 from above and 1 from the side. This part of a mammogram can be uncomfortable, but it usually only lasts 10 to 20 seconds.

It takes about 20 minutes total to get a mammogram. Learn more about mammograms.

Make sure to ask when you’ll get your mammogram results. When you get the results, ask the doctor or nurse to explain what the results mean. Learn more about mammogram results.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is cancer that forms in breast tissue. Like all cancers, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

Talk with your doctor or nurse if you notice any of these changes:

• A lump or an area that feels very firm in the breast or armpit
• A change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast
• Fluid (called discharge) coming out of a nipple
• Skin on the breast that is itchy, red or purple, flaky, or dimpled

Learn more about breast cancer.

What if the doctor finds something in my breast?

Mammograms let your doctor or nurse look for lumps or other changes inside your breasts that you can’t feel from the outside. If they find a lump or another change in your breast tissue, you may need other tests to find out if it’s cancer.

For example, your doctor may take a small bit of tissue from the breast for testing. This procedure is called a biopsy.

Talk with your doctor about when and how often to get a mammogram.

Ask the doctor about your risk for breast cancer. 

Use these questions to start a conversation with your doctor about mammograms. You can also ask about ways you may be able to lower your risk for breast cancer.

Tell your doctor if breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family — that may raise your risk for developing these and other types of cancer. You can use these questions to talk with your doctor about genetic testing for breast or ovarian cancer. 

Together, you and your doctor can decide what’s best for you.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover screening mammograms for people age 40 years and older. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get mammograms at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

If you have Medicare, screening mammograms are also covered for women age 40 years and older at no cost. Find out about Medicare coverage for mammograms.

If you don’t have insurance, you can still get screening mammograms. Find a program near you that offers free or low-cost screening.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for women covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you  
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Get active.

Getting regular physical activity helps lower your risk for several types of cancer, including breast cancer. Learn more about how to get active. 

Get your well-woman visit.

Get a well-woman visit every year. Use this visit to talk with your doctor or nurse about important screenings and services (like vaccines) to help you stay healthy. Learn more about well-woman visits.

Children ages 5 to 10 years need to see the doctor or nurse for a “well-child visit” once a year.

A well-child visit (also called a checkup) is when you take your child to the doctor to make sure they’re healthy and developing normally. This is different from visits for sickness or injury.

At a well-child visit, the doctor or nurse can help catch any problems early, when they may be easier to treat. You’ll also have a chance to ask any questions you may have about your child’s behavior or development.

Learn what to expect so you can make the most of each visit.

How do I know if my child is growing and developing on schedule?

Your child’s doctor or nurse can help you understand how your child is developing and learning to do new things — like read or brush their teeth. These are sometimes called “developmental milestones.”

Developmental milestones for children ages 5 to 10 years include physical, learning, and social skills — things like:

• Developing skills for success in school (like listening, paying attention, reading, and doing math)
• Taking care of their bodies without help (like bathing, brushing their teeth, and getting dressed)
• Learning from mistakes or failures and trying again
• Helping with simple chores
• Following family rules
• Developing friendships and getting along with other children
• Participating in activities like school clubs, sports teams, or music lessons

See a complete list of developmental milestones for kids who are:

• Age 5 years
• Ages 6 to 8 years
• Ages 9 to 11 years

Take these steps to help you and your child get the most out of well-child visits.

Gather important information.

Take any medical records you have to the appointment, including a record of vaccines (shots) your child has received. If your child gets special services at school because of a health condition or disability, bring that paperwork, too.

Make a list of any important changes in your child’s life since the last doctor’s visit, like a:

• New brother or sister
• Separation or divorce — or a parent spending time in jail or prison
• New school or a move to a new neighborhood
• Serious illness or death of a friend or family member

Use this tool to keep track of your child’s family health history. This information will help your doctor or nurse know if your child is at risk for certain health problems.

Ask other caregivers about your child. 

Before you visit the doctor, talk with others who care for your child, like a grandparent, daycare provider, or babysitter. They may be able to help you think of questions to ask the doctor or nurse.

Help your child get more involved in doctor visits.

You can help your child get involved by letting them know what to expect. Learn how to prepare your child for a doctor visit.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover well-child visits. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get well-child visits at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Your child may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn about coverage options for your family.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost well-child visits. Find a health center near you and ask about well-child visits.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you and your family
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Make a list of questions you want to ask the doctor.

Before the well-child visit, write down a few questions you have. This visit is a great time to ask the doctor or nurse any questions about:

• A health condition your child has (like asthma, allergies, or a speech problem)
• Changes in behavior or mood
• Problems in school — with learning or with other children
• Your child's gender identity

Here are some important questions to ask:

• Is my child up to date on vaccines?
• How can I make sure my child is getting enough physical activity?
• How can I help my child eat healthy?
• Is my child at a healthy weight?

You may also want to ask:

• How can I teach my child to use the internet safely?
• How can I talk with my child about bullying?
• How can I help my child know what to expect during puberty?
• How can I talk to my child about racism and racial bias?

Take notes so you can remember the answers later.

Ask what to do if your child gets sick.

• Make sure you know how to get in touch with a doctor or nurse when the office is closed.
• Ask how to reach the doctor on call — or if there's a nurse information service you can call at night or on the weekend. 

Know what to expect.

During each well-child visit, the doctor or nurse will ask you questions about your child, do a physical exam, and update your child’s medical history. You'll also be able to ask your questions and discuss any problems. 

The doctor or nurse will ask you and your child questions.

The doctor or nurse may ask about:

• Behavior: Does your child have trouble following directions at home or at school?
• Health: Does your child often complain of headaches or other pain?
• Emotions: Is your child often very worried about bad things happening?
• School: Does your child look forward to going to school?
• Activities: What does your child like to do after school and on weekends?
• Eating habits: What does your child eat on a normal day?
• Family: Have there been any changes in your family since your last visit?

They may also ask questions about safety, like:

• Does your child always ride in the back seat of the car?
• Does anyone in your home have a gun? If so, is it unloaded and locked in a place where your child can’t get it?
• Is there a swimming pool or other water around your home? Is there a locked door or gate to keep your child from getting to the pool without an adult?

Your answers to questions like these will help the doctor or nurse make sure your child is healthy, safe, and developing normally. Be honest, even if you’re worried you’re doing something wrong — the doctor or nurse is there to help you.

The doctor or nurse will also check your child’s body.

To check your child’s body, the doctor or nurse will:

• Measure your child’s height and weight
• Check your child’s blood pressure
• Check your child’s vision and hearing
• Check your child’s body parts
• Give your child vaccines they need

Learn more about your child’s health care.

• Find out how to get your child’s vaccines on schedule
• Learn about getting your child’s vision checked

Kids ages 11 to 14 years need to see the doctor or nurse for a “well-child visit” once a year.

A well-child visit (also called a checkup) is when you take your child to the doctor to make sure they’re healthy and developing normally. This is different from visits for sickness or injury.

At a well-child visit, the doctor or nurse can help catch any problems early, when they may be easier to treat. You’ll also have a chance to ask any questions you may have about your child’s behavior or development.

Learn what to expect so you can make the most of each visit.

How do I know if my child is growing and developing on schedule?

Your child’s doctor or nurse can help you identify “developmental milestones,” or signs that show your child is developing normally. This is an important part of the well-child visit.

Some developmental milestones are related to your child’s behavior and learning, and others are about physical changes in your child’s body.

See a complete list of developmental milestones for kids who are:

• Ages 9 to 11 years
• Ages 12 to 14 years 

What are some changes I might see in my child’s feelings, relationships, and behavior?

Developmental milestones for kids ages 11 to 14 years include:

• Developing stronger problem-solving skills
• Developing a clearer sense of right and wrong
• Wanting more independence and privacy
• Having mood swings (going quickly from happy to sad or sad to happy)
• Showing more interest in friendships and classmates
• Beginning to think more independently (for example, wanting to understand the reasons behind parents’ decisions or school rules)

This is also a time when some kids may start showing signs of depression or eating disorders. Bullying and social media use may also become issues at this age. It’s important to:

• Make sure the doctor screens your child for depression
• Have your child screened for anxiety
• Know the signs of eating disorders
• Teach your child to use social media safely
• Watch for signs of bullying
• Talk to your child about racial bias

What physical changes will my child go through?

Many kids ages 11 to 14 years are going through puberty. Puberty is when a child’s body develops into an adult’s body.

Puberty usually starts:

• For girls: between ages 8 and 15 years. Get more information about puberty to share with your daughter.
• For boys: between ages 9 and 16 years. Get more information about puberty to share with your son.

You can help by giving your child information about what changes to expect during puberty. You can also encourage your child to talk about puberty with the doctor or another trusted adult, like a teacher or school nurse.

Take these steps to help you and your child get the most out of well-child visits.

Gather important information.

Take any medical records you have to the appointment, including a record of vaccines (shots) your child has received. If your child gets special services at school because of a health condition or disability, bring that paperwork, too.

Make a list of any important changes in your child’s life since the last visit, like a:

• New brother or sister
• Separation or divorce — or a parent spending time in jail or prison
• New school or a move to a new neighborhood
• Serious illness or death of a friend or family member

Use this tool to keep track of your child’s family health history. This information will help your doctor or nurse know if your child is at risk for certain health problems. 

Help your child get more involved in doctor visits.

Once your child starts puberty, the doctor will usually ask you to leave the room for a few minutes so your child can ask questions about their health. This lets your child develop a relationship with the doctor or nurse, and it's an important step in helping your child learn about their health care.

Your child can also:

• Call to schedule appointments (you can check to see if the doctor’s office allows this)
• Help you fill out medical forms
• Write down questions for the doctor or nurse

For more ideas, check out these tips to help your child take charge of their health care. You can also share this list of questions for the doctor with your child.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover well-child visits. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get well-child visits at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Your child may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn about coverage options for your family.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost well-child visits. Find a health center near you and ask about well-child visits.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you and your family
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Make a list of questions you want to ask the doctor.

Before the well-child visit, write down a few questions you have — and ask your child if they have any questions to add. This visit is a great time to ask the doctor or nurse any questions about:

• A health condition your child has (like an allergy, asthma, or acne)
• Changes in behavior or mood
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Strengths and challenges at school (like learning challenges or not feeling safe at school)

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• How can I make sure my child is getting enough physical activity?
• How can I help my child eat healthy?
• Is my child at a healthy weight?
• Is my child's body developing normally?
• Is my child up to date on vaccines?
• How can I help my child succeed at school?

You may also want to ask for guidance on talking to your child about sensitive subjects. You can ask:

• How can I talk with my child about sex?
• How can I talk with my child about tobacco, alcohol, and drugs?
• How can I teach my child to use the internet safely?
• How can I talk with my child about bullying?
• How can I talk with my child about racism and racial bias?

Take notes so you can remember the answers later.

Find more tips to talk to your child about a range of tricky topics.

Ask what to do if your child gets sick. 

• Make sure you know how to get in touch with a doctor or nurse when the office is closed.
• Ask how to reach the doctor on call, or if there's a nurse information service you can call at night or on the weekend. 

Know what to expect.

During each well-child visit, the doctor or nurse will ask you questions, do a physical exam, and update your child’s medical history. You'll also be able to ask your questions and discuss any problems. 

The doctor or nurse will ask you and your child questions.

The doctor or nurse may ask about:

• Behavior: Does your child have trouble following directions at home or at school?
• Health: Does your child often complain of headaches or other pain? How much sleep does your child get? When was their last visit to the dentist?
• Safety: Does anyone in your home have a gun? If so, is it unloaded and locked in a place where your child can’t get it?
• School and activities: Does your child look forward to going to school? What does your child like to do outside of school?
• Eating habits: What does your child eat on a normal day?
• Family and friends: Have there been any recent changes in your family? How many close friends does your child have? Has your child been bullied at school or online?
• Emotions: Does your child often seem sad, stressed, or bored? Do they seem scared or worried a lot? Does your child have someone to talk to about problems?
• Sexuality: Have you talked with your child about puberty? Is your child dating?

The answers to questions like these will help the doctor or nurse make sure your child is healthy, safe, and developing normally. Be honest, even if you’re worried you’re doing something wrong — the doctor or nurse is there to help you.

The doctor or nurse will also check your child’s body.

To check your child’s body, the doctor or nurse will:

• Measure height and weight
• Check your child’s blood pressure
• Check your child’s vision and hearing
• Check your child’s body parts
• Decide if your child needs any lab tests, like a blood test
• Give your child any vaccines they need

Learn more about your child’s health care:

• Find out how to get your child’s vaccines on schedule
• Learn about getting your child’s vision checked

The doctor or nurse will ask how your child is doing — and pay special attention to signs of certain issues.

The doctor or nurse may ask your child if they:

• Enjoy school
• Have friends
• Can talk to a caring adult
• Feel sad or anxious
• Worry about their weight
• Use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs
• Experience any kind of violence 

The doctor or nurse will offer additional help if your child has any signs of needing more support.

And if your child may be having sex, the doctor or nurse will talk to your child about preventing STIs (sexually transmitted infections, also called sexually transmitted diseases) and pregnancy. Learn how to talk with your child about preventing STIs.

The doctor or nurse will make sure you and your child have the resources you need.

This may include telling you and your child about:

• Websites or apps that have helpful health information
• Organizations in your community where you can go for help

If needed, the doctor or nurse may also refer your child to a specialist.

Teens ages 15 to 17 years need to go to the doctor or nurse for a “well-child visit” once a year.

A well-child visit is when you take your teen to the doctor to make sure they’re healthy and developing normally. This is different from other visits for sickness or injury.

At a well-child visit, the doctor or nurse can help catch any problems early, when they may be easier to treat.

Learn what to expect so you can make the most of each visit.

How do I know if my teen is growing and developing on schedule?

Your teen’s doctor or nurse can help you identify “developmental milestones,” or signs to look for that show your teen is developing normally. This is an important part of the well-child visit.

Some developmental milestones are related to your teen’s behavior and learning, and others are about physical changes in your teen’s body.

See a complete list of developmental milestones for your teen.

What are some changes I might see in my teen’s behavior?

Developmental milestones for teens ages 15 to 17 years include:

• Spending less time with family and more time with friends
• Worrying more about the future (like going to college or finding a job)
• Thinking more about romantic relationships and sex
• Trying new things like new sports or hobbies — or possibly experimenting with tobacco, alcohol, or drugs

This is also a time when some teens may start showing signs of depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. That’s why it’s important to:

• Make sure the doctor screens your teen for depression
• Have your teen screened for anxiety 

What are some physical changes my teen is going through?

Teens ages 15 to 17 years may be nearing the end of puberty. Puberty is when a child’s body develops into an adult’s body.

• Get more information about puberty to share with your daughter
• Get more information about puberty to share with your son

Teens might not ask you questions about sex, their bodies, or relationships. That’s why it’s a good idea for you to start the conversation. You can also encourage your teen to ask the doctor or nurse any questions they have about body changes or other health concerns.

Learn how to talk with your teen about sex.

Take these steps to help you and your teen get the most out of well-child visits.

Gather important information.

Take any medical records you have to the appointment, including a record of vaccines (shots) your teen has received.

Make a list of any important changes in your teen’s life since the last visit, like a:

• New brother or sister
• Separation or divorce — or a parent spending time in jail or prison
• New school or a move to a new neighborhood
• Serious illness or death of a friend or family member

Use this tool to keep track of your teen’s family health history.

Help your teen get more involved in visits to the doctor.

The doctor will probably ask you to leave the room during part of the visit, usually the physical exam. This lets your teen develop a relationship with the doctor or nurse and ask questions in private. It’s an important step in teaching your teen to take control of their health care.

Your teen can also:

• Call to schedule appointments
• Help you fill out medical forms
• Write down questions for the doctor or nurse

For more ideas, check out these tips to help teens take charge of their health care. You can also share this list of questions for the doctor with your teen.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover well-child visits. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get well-child visits at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Your teen may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn about coverage options for your family.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost well-child visits. Find a health center near you and ask about well-child visits.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you and your family
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Make a list of questions you want to ask the doctor.

Before the well-child visit, write down 3 to 5 questions you have. This visit is a great time to ask the doctor or nurse any questions about:

• A health condition your teen has (like acne or asthma)
• Changes in your teen’s behavior or mood
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Tobacco, alcohol, or drug use
• Problems at school (like learning challenges or not wanting to go to school)

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• Is my teen up to date on vaccines?
• How can I make sure my teen is getting enough physical activity?
• How can I help my family eat healthy?
• How can I help my teen succeed at school?
• How can our family set rules more effectively?
• How can I help my teen become a safe driver?
• How can I talk with my teen about tobacco, alcohol, and drugs?

Take a notepad, smartphone, or tablet and write down the answers so you can remember them later.

Ask what to do if your teen gets sick.

Make sure you know how to get in touch with a doctor or nurse when the office is closed. Ask how to get hold of the doctor on call, or if there's a nurse information service you can call at night or on the weekend.

Know what to expect.

During each well-child visit, the doctor or nurse will ask you questions, do a physical exam, and update your teen’s medical history. You and your teen will also be able to ask your questions and discuss any problems. 

The doctor or nurse will ask your teen questions.

The doctor or nurse may ask about:

• Behavior — Do you have trouble following directions at home or at school?
• Health — Do you often get headaches or have other kinds of pain?
• Safety — Do you always wear a seatbelt in the car? Do you and your friends use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs?
• School and activities — Do you look forward to going to school? What do you like to do after school?
• Family and friends — Have there been any changes in your family recently? Do you have close friends?
• Emotions — Do you often feel sad or bored? Do you often feel scared or very worried? Is there someone you trust who you can talk to about problems?
• Sexuality — Do you have any questions about your body? Have you talked with your parents about dating and sex? Are you dating anyone now?
• The future — Have you started to think about what you want to do after high school?

The answers to questions like these will help the doctor or nurse make sure your teen is healthy, safe, and developing normally. 

The doctor or nurse will also check your teen’s body.

To check your teen’s body, the doctor or nurse will:

• Measure height and weight and figure out your teen's body mass index (BMI)
• Check your teen’s blood pressure
• Check your teen's vision and hearing
• Check your teen’s body parts (called a physical exam)
• Decide if your teen needs any lab tests, like a blood test
• Give your teen vaccines they need

The doctor or nurse will pay special attention to signs of certain issues. 

The doctor or nurse will offer additional help if your teen may:

• Be depressed 
• Have anxiety
• Struggle with an eating disorder
• Use tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs 
• Experience any kind of violence 

And if your teen may be having sex, the doctor or nurse will talk about preventing STIs (sexually transmitted infections) — also called STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) — and pregnancy. Learn how to talk with your teen about preventing STIs.

The doctor or nurse will make sure you and your teen have the resources you need. 

This may include telling you and your teen about:

• Websites or apps that have helpful health information
• Organizations in your community where you can go for help

If needed, the doctor or nurse may also refer your teen to a specialist. 

It's important to keep your child’s first teeth — or baby teeth — healthy. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth. Taking care of your child’s teeth will protect them from tooth decay (cavities).

Tooth decay can:

• Cause your child pain
• Make it hard for your child to chew
• Lead to your child having a harder time in school
• Create problems with your child’s adult teeth

Take simple steps to prevent tooth decay.

Most babies will get their first tooth around age 6 months. Start these healthy habits now so your child’s smile will stay healthy!

• Wipe your baby's gums with a clean cloth 2 times a day before they get any teeth
• Start cleaning your baby’s teeth 2 times a day as soon as they come in
• Teach your child to brush 2 times a day
• Protect your child’s teeth with fluoride
• Give your child healthy, low-sugar foods and drinks
• Take your child to the dentist for regular checkups

Learn more about keeping your child's mouth healthy.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay happens because bacteria (germs) in our mouths turn sugar from the food we eat into acid. Over time, the acid can cause cavities (holes) in teeth.

Is my child at risk for tooth decay?

Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases. More than 5 in 10 kids have had decay in their baby teeth by the time they're 8 years old.

Eating and drinking lots of sugary foods and drinks puts your child at higher risk for tooth decay. But healthy habits, like brushing and going to the dentist, can prevent tooth decay.

Follow these steps to help you take good care of your child’s teeth.

Start with the first tooth.

As soon as your baby’s teeth start coming in, clean them regularly with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) and a soft children’s toothbrush. Clean your baby’s teeth 2 times a day — especially right before bedtime.

If your child is younger than 2 years, ask their doctor or dentist when it's time to start using fluoride toothpaste.

Teach your child to brush 2 times a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Starting around age 3 years, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush your child’s teeth. Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste after brushing — if young children swallow too much fluoride toothpaste, their adult teeth may have white spots.

Around age 6 years, kids can start to brush their own teeth. Watch your child to make sure they:

• Brush all of their teeth
• Brush for about 2 minutes each time
• Spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it 

Make brushing teeth fun.

Getting kids to brush their teeth can be hard. Here are some ways you can help make it fun for them:

• Let your child choose a toothbrush in a favorite color or with a character from a TV show or movie — just make sure it’s the right size for your child’s mouth
• Find books or shows with stories about brushing — then you can use the characters as an example when it's time for your child to brush their own teeth
• Sing or play a song to help your child brush for 2 minutes

Protect your child’s teeth with fluoride.

Fluoride is a mineral that helps protect teeth from decay.

Use fluoride toothpaste.

When you shop for toothpaste, read the label to be sure it has fluoride.

Ask your child’s doctor about fluoride varnish.

After your child’s first tooth comes in, ask the doctor to give them fluoride varnish (a thin coating of fluoride put on the teeth). Fluoride varnish helps prevent tooth decay.

Find out if there’s fluoride in your water.

Fluoride is added to the drinking water in many towns and cities. Check to see if the tap water in your area has fluoride in it, or call your local water company and ask. If your water doesn't have fluoride added, ask your doctor or dentist if your child needs to take fluoride supplements.

Give your child tap water to drink.

If your water has fluoride added, be sure to give your child tap water to drink instead of bottled water. Most bottled water doesn’t have enough fluoride in it to protect your child’s teeth from decay. Check with your local water provider to make sure your tap water is safe to drink.

Ask for supplements if your water doesn't have fluoride added.

If your tap water doesn’t have fluoride added, ask your child’s doctor or dentist for fluoride supplements (drops or tablets). Children age 6 months and older can take fluoride supplements.

What about cost?

Insurance plans must cover fluoride supplements for children who don't have fluoride in their tap water. Depending on your insurance plan, your child may be able to get fluoride supplements at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Give your child healthy foods.

Healthy foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy, beans, and lean meats — and more! Learn more about healthy food options for your child:

• Get tips to help you make healthy, kid-friendly snacks
• Find more ways to eat healthy

Make sure your child gets enough calcium.

Calcium is a mineral that helps make teeth strong. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are good sources of calcium. Check out this shopping list of foods with calcium.

Offer your child healthy drinks.

If sugar from drinks stays on your child’s teeth for too long, it can lead to tooth decay. To help prevent tooth decay:

• Give your child only water to drink between meals
• Only give your child milk or juice with a meal

Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle.

Milk or formula will stay on your child’s teeth all night and increase their risk of tooth decay.

Take your child to the dentist.

Take your child to the dentist for a checkup by age 1. Ask your child’s doctor for the name of a dentist who's good with kids.

Going to the dentist for the first time can be scary. It might help your child to see you sitting in the dentist’s chair first. You can also ask the dentist to let your child sit on your lap during the checkup.

Ask your child’s dentist about how to clean your child’s teeth and other ways to keep your child’s mouth healthy. After the first visit, make sure to schedule regular dental checkups for your child.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover dental care for children. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get dental care at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) may also cover dental care for your child at no cost. Learn about coverage options for your family. 

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost dental care. Find a health center near you and ask about dental care.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Ask your child’s dentist about sealants.

A sealant is a thin, plastic material put on the tops of back teeth to help protect them from decay. Ask your dentist about sealants for your child as soon as they get their first adult molars — around age 6 years. Get more information about sealants.

Screenings are medical tests that doctors use to check for diseases and health conditions before there are any signs or symptoms. Screenings help find problems early on, when they may be easier to treat.

Getting recommended screenings is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Depending on your age, sex, and medical history, you may need to be screened (tested) for things like:

• Certain types of cancer
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis (weak bones)
• STIs (sexually transmitted infections), also called STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
• Mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety

What happens during a screening?

That depends on what problem the doctor is checking for. For example, a screening could be a blood test, a physical exam, or a list of questions your doctor asks you.

Talk with your doctor or nurse about which screening tests are right for you.

Find out which screenings you may need.

Use the MyHealthfinder tool to get personalized recommendations for preventive services. Print out the list of recommendations and take it with you to your next doctor’s appointment.

Gather your family’s medical history.

Talk to your relatives to find out if any diseases run in your family. Use this family health history tool to keep track of what you learn. Then share the information with your doctor.

Make a list of questions to ask your doctor.

When you visit the doctor, it helps to write down your questions ahead of time.

Check out these questions for the doctor about screenings for:

• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• HIV
• Hepatitis C
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer

Find questions for the doctor about additional health topics. You can also use this tool to build your own list of questions for the doctor.

Talk with your doctor about getting screened.

Having a conversation with your doctor or nurse can help you understand which screenings you need — and how often to get them. You may need to get some tests once a year. You may need other tests more or less often.

Tell your doctor or nurse about diseases that run in your family, and share any concerns you have about your health. This will help you decide together which screenings are right for you.

If you don’t have a doctor or nurse, check out these tips for choosing a doctor you can trust.

Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits.

When your doctor recommends a screening, ask questions about the risks and benefits. 

All screening tests have potential risks. For example, some tests can cause problems like bleeding or infection.

Sometimes, tests can give the wrong result. For example, a test could say that you have a disease when you really don't (false positive). This can be stressful — and could lead to more tests that also have risks.

Your doctor can help you decide if the benefits of a screening outweigh the risks for you. Having an open and honest conversation with your doctor can help you make a decision you feel comfortable with.

Make sure you get the results from every screening.

Ask how long it will take to get your test results. If the doctor doesn’t contact you with the results, call the office to ask for them. And if you don’t understand what the results mean, ask the doctor or nurse to explain them to you.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover many screening tests. This means you may be able to get screening tests at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more. You can also:

• Find out which services are covered under the Affordable Care Act
• Find out which screenings are covered by Medicare

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost screening tests. Find a health center near you to learn more.

If you're a man age 65 to 75 years and have ever smoked, ask your doctor about getting screened (tested) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Currently, routine screening isn’t recommended for women, or for men younger than 65 years or older than 75 years. But no matter what age or sex you are, consider talking to your doctor about AAA screening if you have a parent or sibling who had AAA. That’s because people with a close family member who had AAA may be at higher risk.

What is AAA?

The aorta is your body’s main artery. An artery is a blood vessel (or tube) that carries blood from your heart. The aorta carries blood from your heart to your abdomen, pelvis, and legs.

If the wall of your aorta is weak, it can start to bulge. This balloon-like bulge is called an aneurysm. AAA is an aneurysm that happens in the part of the aorta running through the abdomen.

Am I at risk for AAA?

Men over age 65 years who have smoked at any point in their lives have the highest risk of AAA. Both men and women can have AAA, but it's more common in men.

Other risk factors for AAA include:

• Smoking, both if you smoke now or you smoked in the past
• Family history — for example, if a parent or sibling had AAA
• Older age, especially age 65 years or older
• Being white
• Having other aneurysms, like thoracic aortic aneurysm (similar to AAA but in the chest instead of the abdomen)
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Heart disease or vascular disease (problems with blood vessels)

Screening is recommended for all men age 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked. But some other people may benefit from screening, too — for example, women with a parent or sibling who had AAA. If you’re concerned about AAA, consider talking to your doctor about your risk. They can help you decide if screening is right for you.

Why do I need to talk to the doctor?

Aneurysms usually grow slowly without any symptoms. When aneurysms grow large enough to rupture (burst), they can cause dangerous bleeding inside the body that can lead to death. The aneurysm can also create a tear in the wall of the aorta, which is a serious problem, too.

If AAA is found early, doctors can treat it before it bursts. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your doctor about your risk.

How do I know if I have AAA?

To screen for AAA, your doctor may order an ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves to look inside the body. The doctor or technician will use a wand-like device and move it over your body to see if there's any swelling in your aorta. Ultrasounds can be a little bit uncomfortable, but they don’t usually cause pain.

What are the symptoms of AAA?

AAA doesn't usually cause symptoms until it’s a medical emergency. Blood vessels like the aorta can bulge out slowly over time, so it’s important to talk with your doctor about AAA and your risk to see if you need to get tested. 

Although most people with an AAA may not have any symptoms, some people may notice:

• Back pain
• A pulse you can feel near or below your belly button
• Dull ache or pain in the belly or side of your belly

When a AAA ruptures or starts to leak blood, it’s a medical emergency since blood loss from the aorta can lead to death. Some symptoms of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm include:  

• Sudden pain in your lower back, abdomen, or legs — usually the pain is severe
• Fast heart rate 
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea (feeling like you're going to throw up) and vomiting (throwing up)
• Clammy (sweaty) skin

If you think you have a ruptured aneurysm, call 911 or have someone take you to the closest emergency room. You'll need to have life-saving surgery right away.

What does AAA look like?

Here's an example of what AAA looks like inside the body:

 

Take these steps to lower your risk for AAA.

Talk with your doctor about your risk for AAA.

Here are some questions you might want to ask your doctor or nurse:

• Do I need to get screened for AAA?
• How can I get help quitting smoking?
• What are my blood pressure and cholesterol numbers? Are they normal or high?
• What other steps can I take to keep my heart and blood vessels healthy?

Learn how to keep your heart healthy.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a close relative who had AAA, like a parent or sibling. Having a family history of AAA may raise your risk.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover AAA screening for men age 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get screened at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover AAA screening for men ages 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked at no cost. If you have Medicare, learn about Medicare coverage for AAA screening.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost AAA screening. Find a health center near you and ask about AAA screening.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for adults covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 1.9 MB]

Make healthy changes to lower your risk for heart problems.

It’s never too late to take steps to lower your risk for heart problems.

Quit smoking.

Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to lower your risk for AAA and other heart problems.

If you smoke, now’s the time to quit! Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free support.

Get tips to quit smoking.

Get your blood pressure checked.

If your blood pressure is high, you can help lower it by getting active, watching your weight, and eating less sodium (salt). Always check with your doctor to see if you need medicine to keep your blood pressure normal.

To learn more:

• Read about getting your blood pressure checked
• Use this list to help you shop for lower-sodium foods
• Learn how to prevent high blood pressure

Get your cholesterol checked.

If your cholesterol is high, start a heart-healthy eating plan. This means eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Always check with your doctor to see if you need medicine to keep your cholesterol normal. 

Get the details about managing your cholesterol. 

Get active.

Getting regular physical activity is another great way to support heart health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity every week. 

You can also: 

• Check out these ways to add more activity to your day
• Use this planner to set activity goals and get tips to stay motivated

Eat healthy.

Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, chicken, fish, and low-fat dairy products. Try to limit saturated fats and sodium.

Get more tips for healthy eating. 

Nearly half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure. High blood pressure raises your risk for serious health problems, including stroke and heart attack.

Get your blood pressure checked regularly starting at age 18 years — and do your best to keep track of your blood pressure numbers.

How often do I need to get my blood pressure checked?

• If you’re age 40 years or older, or if you’re at higher risk for high blood pressure, get your blood pressure checked at least once a year.
• If you’re age 18 to 39 years and you aren’t at higher risk for high blood pressure, get your blood pressure checked at least every 3 to 5 years. Consider asking your doctor if you should get it checked more often than that.

What puts me at higher risk for high blood pressure?

Your risk for high blood pressure goes up as you get older. You’re also at higher risk for high blood pressure if you:

• Are African American
• Have overweight or obesity
• Are currently pregnant or had high blood pressure during a past pregnancy
• Don’t get enough physical activity
• Drink too much alcohol
• Smoke
• Don’t eat a healthy diet
• Have kidney failure, diabetes, or some types of heart disease

Learn more about your risk for high blood pressure.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is how hard your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. Arteries are the tubes that carry blood away from your heart. Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood through your arteries to the rest of your body.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so it’s sometimes called a “silent killer.” The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked.

What do blood pressure numbers mean?

A blood pressure test measures how hard your heart is working to pump blood through your body.

Blood pressure is measured with 2 numbers. The first number (called systolic blood pressure) is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number (called diastolic blood pressure) is the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.

Compare your blood pressure to these numbers:

• Normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80 (said as “120 over 80”)
• High blood pressure is 130/80 or higher
• Blood pressure that’s between normal and high (for example, 125/80) is called elevated blood pressure

If your blood pressure is elevated, it means you’re at risk for developing high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor and make a plan to control your blood pressure.

Learn more about what your blood pressure numbers mean.

How can I get my blood pressure checked?

To test your blood pressure, a nurse or doctor will put a cuff around your upper arm. The nurse or doctor will pump the cuff with air until it feels tight, then slowly let it out. This takes just a few minutes.

You can find out what your blood pressure numbers are right after the test is over. If the test shows that your blood pressure is high, ask the doctor what to do next.

Blood pressure can go up and down, so it’s a good idea to get it checked more than once.

Can I check my blood pressure by myself?

Yes. You can buy a home blood pressure monitor at a drug store. Many shopping malls, pharmacies, and grocery stores also have blood pressure machines you can use in the store.

If the test shows that your blood pressure is elevated or high, talk to your doctor and make a plan to control it.

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor might ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home to keep track of your numbers — and to see if treatments are working.

Check out these resources:

• Learn more about measuring your blood pressure
• Watch a video on how to check your blood pressure at home

How can high blood pressure affect pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant, high blood pressure can be dangerous for you and your baby. If you have high blood pressure and you want to get pregnant, it’s important to take steps to lower your blood pressure first.

Sometimes women get high blood pressure for the first time during pregnancy. This is called gestational hypertension. This type of high blood pressure usually goes away after the baby is born — but you may have a higher risk of getting high blood pressure in the future.

If you have high blood pressure while you’re pregnant, be sure to visit your doctor regularly. To learn more:

• Find out about high blood pressure during pregnancy
• Get tips on how to have a healthy pregnancy

What if I have high blood pressure?

If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to make a treatment plan to control it. Your treatment plan may include healthy life changes, medicine, or a combination of both.

These steps can help lower your blood pressure:

• Eat healthy, including foods such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting foods high in saturated fat and sodium (salt). Check out the DASH eating plan to help lower blood pressure.
• Get active — aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Use this resource to get more physical activity.
• Manage your weight by eating healthy and getting active. Learn how to stay at a healthy weight.
• Remember to take medicines as prescribed (ordered) by your doctor. Learn more about blood pressure medicines.

Small changes can add up. For example, losing just 10 pounds can help lower your blood pressure.

Start by getting your blood pressure checked as soon as possible. You can’t “feel” high blood pressure, so the only way to know if your blood pressure is elevated or high is to get it checked. Once you know your blood pressure numbers, you can take steps to prevent or lower high blood pressure.

Check your blood pressure regularly.

Make sure a doctor or nurse checks your blood pressure at your next visit. Write down your blood pressure numbers so you'll remember them. Print out or save this list of questions to ask your doctor about blood pressure.

You can also find blood pressure machines at many shopping malls, pharmacies, and grocery stores. Most of these machines are free to use. Print this tool to keep track of your blood pressure [PDF - 663 KB].

If you want to check your blood pressure at home, you can buy a home blood pressure monitor at a drug store. Learn how to check your blood pressure at home.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover blood pressure testing. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your blood pressure checked by a doctor or nurse at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare also covers blood pressure testing at no cost as part of your yearly wellness visit. Learn more about Medicare wellness visits.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost blood pressure tests. Find a health center near you and ask about getting your blood pressure checked.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF – 1.9 MB]

Eat less sodium.

Eating less sodium (salt) can lower your blood pressure. When you go food shopping, check the Nutrition Facts label for the Daily Value (DV) of sodium. Choose foods with a DV of 5% or less. Foods with a DV of 20% or more are high in sodium. Foods that are often higher in sodium include processed meats, frozen meals (like pizza and ready-to-eat meals), packaged foods, and canned soups or broths.

Get more tips to:

• Reduce the sodium in your diet
• Shop for lower-sodium foods

Choose a mix of healthy foods.

Eating a mix of healthy foods can help prevent high blood pressure — and help control your blood pressure if it’s already high. Choose a variety of:

• Fruits — like apples, berries, oranges, and mango
• Veggies — like broccoli, sweet potatoes, beets, okra, peppers, and jicama
• Whole grains — like brown rice, millet, oatmeal, bulgur, and whole-wheat bread
• Healthy proteins — like lean meats and chicken, seafood, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and tofu
• Low-fat or fat-free dairy or dairy alternatives — like milk, yogurt, cheese, lactose-free dairy, and fortified soy beverages (soy milk) or soy yogurt
• Vegetable oils — like olive and canola oil

Try to limit foods that:

• Are high in saturated fat — like fatty meats, full-fat dairy, and tropical oils like coconut and palm oil
• Have added sugars — like sugar-sweetened drinks, desserts, and many breakfast cereals

Eating more potassium can also help lower your blood pressure. Good sources of potassium include potatoes, spinach, bananas, beans, and yogurt.

Check out these tips to eat healthier with the DASH eating plan (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).
 

Manage your weight.

A healthy diet and physical activity can help you control your weight — and your blood pressure. If you have overweight or obesity, losing weight can lower your risk for high blood pressure.

Get tips to help you aim for a healthy weight.

Get active.

Getting regular physical activity can lower your risk of high blood pressure. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, like:

• Walking fast
• Dancing
• Riding bikes
• Swimming
• Aerobics

Check out this information on getting active.

Drink alcohol only in moderation.

If you choose to drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. That means 1 drink or less in a day for women and 2 drinks or less in a day for men.

Get more information about drinking alcohol in moderation.

Manage your stress.

Managing stress can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Deep breathing and meditation are good ways to relax and manage stress.

Check out these tips on managing stress.

Quit smoking.

Smoking damages your heart and blood vessels. Quit smoking to help lower your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.

Learn more about quitting smoking.

A bone density test measures how strong your bones are. The test will tell you if you have osteoporosis (weak bones), and it can help you understand your risk of breaking a bone in the future.

Women are at higher risk for osteoporosis than men, and the risk goes up with age.

• If you’re a woman age 65 years or older, schedule a bone density test
• If you’re a woman age 64 years or younger and you’ve gone through menopause, ask your doctor if you need a bone density test

Men can get osteoporosis, too. If you’re a man over age 65 years and you’re concerned about your bone strength, talk with your doctor or nurse.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease. It means your bones are weak and more likely to break. People with osteoporosis most often break bones in the hip, spine, and wrist.

There are no signs or symptoms of osteoporosis. You might not know you have the disease until you break a bone. That’s why it’s so important to get a bone density test to measure your bone strength.

What happens during a bone density test?

A bone density test is like an x-ray or scan of your body. The test doesn’t hurt, and you don't need to do anything to prepare for it. It usually takes less than 15 minutes. 

Am I at risk for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is most common in older women, but men can also get it. Your risk for osteoporosis goes up as you get older.

Other things can raise your risk for osteoporosis, including: 

• Hormone changes (especially for women who have gone through menopause)
• Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D
• Having certain diseases or taking certain medicines
• Smoking cigarettes or drinking too much alcohol
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Having a low body weight
• Having a parent who had osteoporosis or a hip fracture

Find out more about bone health and osteoporosis.

What if I have osteoporosis?

If you have osteoporosis, you can still slow down bone loss. Finding and treating the disease early can keep you healthier and more active — and help lower your risk of breaking bones.

Depending on the results of your bone density test, you may need to:

• Add more calcium and vitamin D to your diet
• Get more physical activity 
• Take medicine to slow down bone loss and lower your risk of breaking a bone

Learn about medicines for osteoporosis.

Talk with your doctor about what steps are right for you. No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to improve your bone health.

Take these steps to protect your bone health.

Schedule a bone density test if your doctor recommends it.

Ask your doctor if you’re at risk for osteoporosis and if you need to schedule a bone density test.

Use these questions about osteoporosis to start a conversation with your doctor at your next checkup.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover screening for osteoporosis for:

• Women age 65 years and older
• Women age 64 years and younger who have gone through menopause who are at increased risk for osteoporosis  

Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get screened at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover bone density tests at no cost. If you have Medicare, learn about Medicare coverage for bone density tests.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get a free or low-cost bone density test. Find a health center near you and ask about bone density tests.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for adults covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

You need both calcium and vitamin D for strong bones.

Get enough calcium.

Calcium helps keep your bones strong. You can get calcium from:

• Fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Soy milk or yogurt with added calcium
• Certain vegetables, including soybeans, collard greens, and spinach
• Tofu with added calcium
• Orange juice with added calcium
• Calcium pills

Learn more about getting enough calcium. And use this shopping list to find foods high in calcium.

Get enough vitamin D.

Vitamin D helps your body take in calcium.

Your body makes vitamin D when you’re out in the sun. You can also get vitamin D from:

• Fish like salmon, tuna, and trout
• Milk with added vitamin D
• Some breakfast cereals, yogurt, and juices with added vitamin D
• Vitamin D pills

Find out how much vitamin D you need each day.

Get active.

Physical activity can help slow down bone loss. Do muscle-strengthening activities (like lifting weights or using resistance bands) and weight-bearing activities (like brisk walking or doing jumping jacks) to strengthen your bones. And do balance activities (like tai chi or carefully walking backward) to help prevent falls.

Try these tips to get active:

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week — remember, anything that gets your heart beating faster counts!
• Do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week
• Do balance activities every week
• Team up with a friend or join a fitness class — getting active with others can help you stick with it

Find out more about how to stay active to take care of your bones:

• Learn more about getting active
• Read about exercises to improve bone health

Find activities that work for you.

You don't need special equipment or a gym membership to stay active. Check with your local community center or senior center to find fun, affordable ways to get active.

If you have a health condition or a disability, be as active as you can. If you’re unsure what activities are right for you, consider talking with your doctor or nurse.

For more tips on staying active, check out these resources:

• Learn how to stay active as you get older
• Get ideas for staying motivated to be active
• Find more physical activity tips for older adults [PDF - 1.2 MB]
• Get tips for staying active with a disability

Stay away from cigarettes and alcohol.

Smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol can make you more likely to get osteoporosis.

• If you smoke, make a plan to quit
• If you choose to drink, drink alcohol only in moderation — that means 1 drink or less in a day for women and 2 drinks or less in a day for men

Take steps to prevent falls.

Falls can be especially serious for people with weak bones. You can make small changes to lower your risk of falling, like doing exercises that improve your balance. You can also take steps to make your home safer, like installing railings on both sides of your stairs.

Learn more about preventing falls.

Getting screened (tested) for cervical cancer means getting tested for a disease before you have any symptoms. Screening tests for cervical cancer include:

• HPV (human papillomavirus) tests, which check cervical cells for infection with certain types of HPV that can cause cancer. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by infection with HPV.
• Pap tests, also called Pap smears, which check cervical cells for changes caused by HPV infection.
• The HPV/Pap cotest, which uses both tests together. 

These tests can help find cervical cancer. They can also find cervical cells that are infected with HPV or other abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.

Most cervical cancers can be prevented by regular screenings — and getting the right follow-up treatment when needed.

How often should I get screened for cervical cancer?

How often you need to get screened depends on how old you are and which screening tests you get.

If you’re age 21 to 29 years, get screened with a Pap test every 3 years, starting at age 21.

If you’re age 30 to 65 years, you have 3 options:

• Get screened every 5 years with an HPV test
• Get screened every 3 years with a Pap test
• Get screened every 5 years with an HPV/Pap cotest

Talk with your doctor about which option is right for you. Some people may also need to get screened more often. For example, your doctor may recommend that you get screened more often if you’ve had abnormal test results in the past.

If you’re age 66 years or older, ask your doctor if you need to continue getting screened for cervical cancer. Most people can stop screening after age 65 years if they have been screened regularly and had normal test results.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina.

 

Abnormal cells in the cervix may become cancer over time if doctors don’t find and remove them.

What causes cervical cancer?

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by certain types of HPV (human papillomavirus) called high-risk HPV. Some other types of HPV, called low-risk HPV, cause genital warts. HPV is the most common infection spread through sex (vaginal, anal, and oral). 

In most cases, HPV infections go away on their own without causing cancer. But when they last for a long time, they can cause changes in your cells that become cancer. Get more information on HPV infection.

Learn more about cervical cancer and screening:

• Screening for Cervical Cancer
• HPV and Pap Test Results: Next Steps After an Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Test

What happens during cervical cancer screening tests?

Cervical cancer screening tests usually happen as part of a pelvic exam. During this exam, you lie on your back on an exam table, bend your knees, and put your feet into stirrups.

While you lie on the exam table, the doctor or nurse will put a medical tool (called a speculum) into your vagina and open it to see your cervix. The doctor or nurse will use a special brush to collect some cells from your cervix, which are sent to a lab to be checked for the types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer and/or for abnormal cells.

It takes only a few minutes to collect the cells. It may feel uncomfortable, but it usually doesn't hurt. If you’re not comfortable being alone with the doctor or nurse during the exam, you can ask to have a friend, family member, or another health professional (like another nurse) in the room, too.

Learn more about cervical screening tests:

• HPV tests
• Pap tests

What else happens during a pelvic exam? 

Cervical cancer screening is just part of a pelvic exam. During this exam, the doctor or nurse will also check your uterus, ovaries, and other organs.

Take these steps to help prevent cervical cancer.

Get ready for your cervical cancer screening test.

Call a doctor’s office or health clinic to schedule your cervical cancer screening test and pelvic exam. Ask your doctor if you need to follow any special instructions before getting a cervical screening test.

Find out your test results.

When you get screened, ask the doctor how you’ll find out the results.

The kind of results you get can vary based on the type of test:

• HPV test results can be “positive,” meaning that high-risk HPV was found, or “negative,” meaning that high-risk HPV was not found.
• Pap test results can be “normal,” which means that no abnormal cervical cells were found (this may also be called “negative for intraepithelial malignancy”), “unsatisfactory,” which means that the sample couldn’t be tested, or “abnormal,” which means that abnormal cells were found. 

It can take up to 3 weeks to get your results. If you don’t hear back by then, call your doctor’s office or clinic.

If your HPV test result is “positive” or your Pap test result is “abnormal,” it's important to get the follow-up care your doctor recommends.

Learn more about what your test results mean:

• Understanding HPV test results
• Understanding Pap test results

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans must cover screening for cervical cancer. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get tested at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover screening for cervical cancer at no cost. If you have Medicare, learn about Medicare coverage for Pap and HPV tests.

If you don't have insurance, find a program near you that offers free or low-cost cervical cancer screening tests.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for women under the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF – 1.9 MB]

Get the HPV vaccine.

Children and adults ages 9 to 26 years can get the HPV vaccine. Most people get it as a pre-teen — but if you didn’t get it and you’re age 26 years or younger, talk with your doctor about getting it now. 

If you’re age 27 to 45 years and you haven’t gotten the HPV vaccine, talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if the HPV vaccine is right for you.

The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer and several other types of cancer. It also protects against the types of HPV that cause most genital warts. Learn more about the HPV vaccine.

Get your child the HPV vaccine.

All girls and boys need to get the HPV vaccine — usually at age 11 or 12 years, although your child can get it as early as age 9 years. If you have kids, make sure they get the HPV vaccine.

Get your well-woman visit every year.

During your visit, talk to the doctor or nurse about other important screenings and services to help you stay healthy. Find out more about getting your well-woman visit every year.

It's important to get your cholesterol checked regularly. Too much cholesterol in your blood can cause a heart attack or a stroke.

The good news is that it’s easy to get your cholesterol checked. If your cholesterol is high, you can take steps to lower it — like eating healthy, getting more physical activity, and taking medicine if your doctor recommends it.

How often do I need to get my cholesterol checked?

The general recommendation is to get your cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. Some people may need to get their cholesterol checked more often depending on their risk of heart disease.

For example, high cholesterol can run in families. If someone in your family has high cholesterol or takes medicine to control cholesterol, you might need to get tested more often. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy material that’s found naturally in your blood. Your body makes cholesterol and uses it to do important things, like making hormones and digesting fatty foods.

If you have too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up inside your blood vessels and make it hard for blood to flow through them. Over time, this can lead to heart disease.

How can I tell if I have high cholesterol?

Most people who have high cholesterol don't have any signs or symptoms. That's why it's so important to get your cholesterol checked.

How can I get my cholesterol checked?

Your doctor will check your cholesterol levels with a blood test called a lipid profile. A nurse will take a small sample of blood from your finger or arm for this test.

There are other blood tests your doctor can do to check cholesterol, but a lipid profile gives the most information.

What do the test results mean?

If you get a lipid profile test, the results will show a few numbers. A lipid profile measures:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL (bad) cholesterol
• HDL (good) cholesterol
• Triglycerides

Total cholesterol is a measure of all the cholesterol in your blood. It's based on the LDL, HDL, and triglycerides numbers. 

LDL cholesterol is a “bad” (unhealthy) type of cholesterol that can block your arteries —  so a lower level is better for you. Having a high LDL level can increase your risk for heart disease.

HDL cholesterol is the “good” type of cholesterol that helps take LDL cholesterol out of your arteries — so a higher level is better for you. Having a low HDL cholesterol level can increase your risk for heart disease.

Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood that can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. 

The results of your lipid profile test may also show your non-HDL cholesterol number. Non-HDL cholesterol is LDL cholesterol and the other “bad” types of cholesterol. In other words, it’s your total cholesterol minus your HDL cholesterol. Having a high non-HDL level can increase your risk for heart disease.

What can cause unhealthy cholesterol levels?

Causes of high LDL (bad) cholesterol or low HDL (good) cholesterol levels include:

• Age — your risk increases as you get older
• Smoking, using other tobacco products, or drinking too much alcohol
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Eating too much saturated fat or not enough fruits and vegetables
• Taking certain medicines, like medicines to lower blood pressure
• Family history of high cholesterol
• Familial hypercholesterolemia (a condition passed down through families that causes very high LDL cholesterol levels)
• Some other health problems, like type 2 diabetes or obesity

How can I lower my risk of heart disease if my cholesterol levels aren't healthy?

As your LDL cholesterol gets higher, so does your risk of heart disease. Take these steps to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease:

• Eat heart-healthy foods
• Get active
• Stay at a healthy weight
• If you smoke, quit
• Drink only a moderate (limited) amount of alcohol
• If you have other chronic conditions — like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure — take steps to manage them
• Ask your doctor about taking medicine to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke

Find out what your cholesterol levels are. If your cholesterol levels are unhealthy or you're at risk for heart disease, take steps to control your cholesterol levels.

Make an appointment to get your cholesterol checked.

Call your doctor’s office or health center to schedule the test. Be sure to ask for a complete lipid profile — and find out what instructions you’ll need to follow before the test. For example, you may need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 9 to 12 hours before the test.

Use these questions to ask your doctor about cholesterol . Take them to your next checkup — you can print them out or pull them up on a smartphone or tablet.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover cholesterol testing. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your cholesterol checked at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover cholesterol testing at no cost. If you have Medicare, learn about Medicare coverage for cholesterol testing.

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost cholesterol testing. Find a health center near you and ask about cholesterol testing.

To learn more, check out these resources about:

• Free preventive care for adults covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Keep track of your cholesterol levels.

Remember to ask the doctor or nurse for your cholesterol levels each time you get your cholesterol checked. Write the levels in a notepad — or record them in your smartphone — to keep track of your progress.

Eat heart-healthy foods.

Making healthy food choices to your diet can help lower your cholesterol. Try to:

• Cut down on saturated fat, which comes from animal products (like fatty meats and full-fat dairy) and tropical oils (like palm and coconut oil)
• Choose foods with healthy unsaturated fats, like avocados, nuts, and fish — and choose healthier oils (like olive, peanut, or canola oil)
• Limit foods that are high in sodium (salt) or added sugars
• Choose low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Eat more foods that are high in fiber, like oatmeal, oat bran, beans, and lentils
• Eat more fruits and vegetables

You can also:

• Check out these tips for eating healthy
• Find healthy recipes in the MyPlate kitchen

Get active.

Getting active can help you lose weight, lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol, and raise your HDL (good) cholesterol. 

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week — try starting with a brisk walk
• Break up your 150 minutes however you want — try doing aerobic activity for 30 minutes 5 times a week
• Do muscle-strengthening activities 2 days a week — try lifting weights or doing push-ups

Remember, any amount of physical activity is better than none. If you haven’t been active before, start with just 5 minutes and build up from there.

To help you get more active: 

• Check out our guide to physical activity
• Use this tool to build a personalized weekly activity plan

Quit smoking.

Quitting smoking can help lower your cholesterol. If you smoke, make a plan to quit today. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free support and to set up your quit plan.

Check out our tips for quitting smoking.

Drink alcohol only in moderation.

Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of high cholesterol. So if you choose to drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. That means 1 drink or less in a day for women and 2 drinks or less in a day for men.

Learn more about drinking alcohol only in moderation.

If you're between ages 45 and 75 years, get screened (tested) regularly for colorectal cancer. Screening tests can help prevent colorectal cancer or find it early, when it may be easier to treat.

You may need to start getting screened before age 45 years if colorectal cancer runs in your family. Your doctor may also recommend that you continue to get screened if you’re between ages 76 and 85 years, depending on things like your overall health and your preferences.

Talk with your doctor about your risk for colorectal cancer.

How often should I get screened for colorectal cancer?

How often you need to get screened will depend on:

• Your risk for colorectal cancer
• Which screening test you choose

How do I decide which type of screening test to get?

There are different ways to screen for colorectal cancer. Your doctor can help you decide which type of screening test is right for you.

Before you talk with your doctor about which screening to get, it can be helpful to think about your preferences. Answer these questions to find out which screening test you would prefer — then share the results with your doctor.

What are the different kinds of screening tests?

There are several different kinds of screening tests for colorectal cancer. The main types are:

• Stool-based tests
• Tests that look inside the colon and rectum

Stool-based tests are done at home. You collect a stool (poop) sample and send it to your doctor's office or a lab for testing.

Tests that look inside your colon and rectum — like a colonoscopy — happen in a doctor's office or hospital. For these tests, you’ll need to take a laxative to clean out your bowels before the appointment. For a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, your doctor will use a thin, flexible tool with a camera on the end to look inside your rectum and colon.  And for a colonoscopy, you'll get anesthesia (medicines that make you relaxed or put you to sleep) before the test, and you'll need someone to drive you home after the test.

In general, if you choose a stool-based test, you’ll need to get tested more often. If you choose tests that look inside your colon and rectum, you’ll need to get tested less often.

Your doctor will tell you how to get ready for your test, including if you need to avoid certain foods or medicines beforehand. Learn more about colorectal cancer screening tests.

Does it hurt to get a colonoscopy?

Preparing for a colonoscopy can be unpleasant, but most people agree that the benefits to their health outweigh any discomfort. And getting anesthesia means you won’t have any pain or feel uncomfortable during the test.

To learn more, check out these colorectal cancer screening stories from real people.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum. The colon is the longest part of the large intestine. The rectum is the bottom part of the large intestine.

 

Like all cancers, colorectal cancer can spread to other parts of your body. Find out more about colorectal cancer.

Am I at risk for colorectal cancer?

The risk of developing colorectal cancer goes up as you get older. That’s why screening is recommended for everyone ages 45 to 75 years.

Other risk factors are:

• Having certain types of polyps (growths) inside the colon
• Having a personal or family history of colorectal cancer
• Smoking cigarettes or drinking too much alcohol
• Having overweight or obesity
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Having certain inherited conditions, like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
• Having inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or other health conditions that cause chronic (long-term) problems with the small intestine and large intestine 

Read more about risk factors for colorectal cancer. And use this calculator with your doctor to find out your risk of colorectal cancer.

Take control — get screened regularly.

If you get screened regularly, you have a good chance of preventing colorectal cancer or finding it when it can be treated more easily.

During a colonoscopy:

• If your doctor finds polyps inside your colon, they can remove the polyps during your test — before they turn into cancer 
• If your doctor finds cancer during the test, you can take steps to get treatment right away

If you get an unusual result on a stool test, your doctor will do a follow-up colonoscopy to look for cancer.

The best way to prevent colorectal cancer — or find it early — is to get screened starting at age 45 years.

Talk with your doctor about getting screened.

Use these questions to ask your doctor about colorectal cancer screening. Take them to your next checkup — you can print them out or pull them up on a smartphone or tablet.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans must cover screening for colorectal cancer. Depending on your plan, you may be able to get screened at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover colorectal cancer screening at no cost. If you have Medicare, find out about Medicare coverage for different colorectal cancer screening tests.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost colorectal cancer screening. Find a health center near you and ask about colorectal cancer screening.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Get support.

If you're nervous about getting a colorectal cancer screening, you can:

• Ask a family member or friend to go with you when you talk to the doctor
• Talk with people you know who have been screened to learn what to expect

Give support.

Do you know someone age 45 years or older who hasn’t been screened for colorectal cancer yet? Use these tips to start a conversation about the importance of screening.

Quit smoking.

People who smoke are more likely to get colorectal cancer. If you smoke, make a plan to quit today. 

Aim for a healthy weight.

Having overweight raises your chance of developing colon cancer. Get tips to manage your weight. 

Get active.

Regular exercise helps lower your risk of colorectal cancer. Take steps to get moving today.

Drink alcohol only in moderation.

Drinking too much alcohol raises your risk of colorectal cancer. If you choose to drink, have only a moderate (limited) amount. This means:

• 1 drink or less in a day for women
• 2 drinks or less in a day for men

Eat healthy foods.   

What you eat may affect your risk for colorectal cancer.

Eating these foods may help lower your risk:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Other foods high in fiber (like whole grains, nuts, and seeds)

Eating processed meat (like deli meats, sausage, or bacon) or red meat may raise your risk.

If your child is between ages 12 and 18 years, ask the doctor about screening (testing) for depression — even if you don’t see signs of a problem.

Why do I need to get my teen screened for depression?

Depression can be serious, and many teens with depression don’t get the help they need.

The good news is that depression can be treated with counseling, medicine, or a combination of both. When you ask your child's doctor about screening for depression, find out what services are available in case your teen needs follow-up care.

Depression is an illness that involves the brain. It can affect your thoughts, mood, and daily activities — and make you feel sad or down. But depression is more than feeling sad for a few days.

Teen depression can be a serious mental illness. If your child is depressed, they may:

• Feel sad or irritable (easily upset) most of the time 
• Lose interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Have aches and pains for no clear reason
• Have trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions
• Sleep too much or be unable to sleep
• Eat more or less than usual
• Use drugs or alcohol
• Talk about death or suicide — or give away items that are important to them

It’s normal for teens to have mood swings — but if they have several of these symptoms every day for at least 2 weeks, it could be depression. But it can be hard to tell if your child is feeling down or if they’re depressed. That’s why it’s so important for all teens to be screened for depression.

And keep in mind that teen girls and teen boys often show different signs of depression. Girls may be more likely to feel sad or hopeless, while boys may be more likely to be irritable or to use drugs or alcohol.

Learn more about depression in teens by checking out:

• Childhood Depression: What Parents Need to Know
• Helping Your Teen with Depression

What causes depression?

Depression can happen to anyone. It’s not your fault or your teen’s fault. Some experiences may make it more likely that a teen will develop depression, like:

• Dealing with a stressful life situation, like a serious illness or a death in the family
• Living with someone who's depressed
• Experiencing trauma or abuse
• Having another mental health problem, like anxiety or an eating disorder
• Having problems at school, like being bullied by other students
• Having a family history of depression

What happens during a depression screening?

The doctor will ask your teen questions about their feelings and behaviors. This may include asking how often your teen:

• Feels hopeless or sad
• Has low energy or feels tired during the day
• Has trouble sleeping — or sleeps more or less than usual
• Eats more or less than usual
• Has trouble paying attention at school
• Thinks about wanting to hurt themselves in some way

Screening for depression usually takes about 5 minutes. It can be part of your teen’s yearly checkup.

What if the doctor finds signs of depression?

If your child is showing signs of depression, the doctor will:

• Refer your teen to a therapist or doctor with special training in helping young people with emotional or behavioral problems
• Talk about medicines and other treatments — like talk therapy — that can help your teen manage their depression
• Order tests to check for other health problems

Make sure to include your teen when you make any decisions about treatment.

Take steps to protect your teen’s mental health.

Talk to your teen’s doctor about depression screening.

Ask the doctor to screen your child for depression. If you’re worried about your teen, be sure to let the doctor know. Find out what services are available in case your teen needs treatment.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover depression screening for teens. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your child screened at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Your teen may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn more about coverage options for your family.

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost depression screening. Find a health center near you and ask about depression screening.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Mental health coverage under the Affordable Care Act
• Free preventive care for kids covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you  
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Write down any concerns you have.

Keep track of your teen’s actions and words that make you think they might be depressed. If you see a change in your child’s behavior, make a note about the change and when it happened. Include details like:

• How long the behavior's been going on
• How often the behavior happens
• How serious you think it is

Share these notes with your teen’s doctor. You can also use them to start a conversation with your child.

Watch for signs that your teen may be thinking about suicide.

Most people who are depressed don’t attempt suicide, but depression can increase the risk of suicide and suicide attempts. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for kids and teens ages 10 to 19 years.

These behaviors may be signs that your teen is thinking about suicide:

• Talking about wanting to kill or hurt themselves
• Taking risks, like driving recklessly
• Spending less time with friends and family
• Talking about not being around in the future or “going away”
• Giving away prized possessions
• Using more alcohol or drugs
• Talking about feeling hopeless or very angry

If your child is showing some or all of these warning signs, get help right away. Call or text 988 or visit the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website to connect with trained crisis counselors. 

If you think your child may be in immediate danger, call 911 or take them to the emergency room.

Find resources for your teen.

If your child isn’t ready to talk to you about their feelings, there are still things you can do. Help your teen find resources online and in the community.

Share these resources with your teen:

• Depression: What You Need to Know
• Teen Depression: More Than Just Moodiness
• For Young People Looking for Help
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Youth
• The Trevor Project: Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ Youth

Let your child know that they can get support anonymously (without giving their name) by:

• Texting the Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
• Chatting online with someone from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988

Make a list with your teen of other people they can go to with problems or questions — like a teacher, guidance counselor, or another trusted adult. Remind your teen that you're always there if they want to talk.

If you’ve been feeling sad or down and can’t seem to shake it, talk with a doctor or nurse about depression.

What is depression? 

Depression is an illness that involves the brain. It can affect your thoughts, mood, and daily activities — and make you feel sad or down. But depression is more than feeling sad for a few days.

Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe. Even mild depression can become more serious if it’s not treated.

If you're diagnosed with depression, you aren’t alone. Depression is a common illness that affects millions of people in the United States every year.

The good news is that you can get treatment for depression. Getting help is the best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones. You can feel better.

Check out these resources to learn more about depression:

• General information about depression
• Depression and older adults
• Depression and women
• Depression during and after pregnancy
• Depression and veterans
• Depression and teens

What are the signs of depression?

It’s normal to feel sad sometimes, but if you feel sad or down on most days for more than 2 weeks at a time, you may be depressed.

Depression affects people differently. Some signs of depression are:

• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling hopeless or empty
• Forgetting things or having trouble making decisions
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Gaining or losing weight without meaning to
• Thinking about suicide or death

Take this quiz to see if you might be depressed.

How is depression treated?

Depression can be treated with talk therapy, medicines (called antidepressants), or both. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional for talk therapy or medicine.

If you start taking medicine and it’s not working well enough, your doctor may have you try a different type of antidepressant. And if talk therapy and medicines aren’t helping you feel better, your doctor may suggest a type of treatment called brain stimulation therapy. These therapies use magnetic waves or electricity to stimulate the brain and treat depression.

Learn more about treatments for depression.

Depression is a real illness. People with depression need treatment like people with any other illness. If you think you might be depressed, see your doctor or nurse.

Talk to a doctor about how you're feeling.

Get a medical checkup. Ask to see a doctor or nurse who can screen you for depression.

The doctor or nurse may also check to see if you have another health condition (like thyroid disease) or are taking a medicine that can cause depression or make it worse. If you have one of these health conditions, it’s important to get treatment right away.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover screening for depression. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get screened at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover depression screening at no cost. If you have Medicare, learn about Medicare coverage for depression screening.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost depression screening. Find a health center near you and ask about screening for depression.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for adults covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Get treatment for depression.

When you have depression, getting help is the best thing you can do. 

Ask your doctor for a referral to a mental health professional or use this treatment locator to find mental health services near you. Some programs offer free or low-cost treatment even if you don't have insurance. 

Here are some places or professionals you can go to for help with depression:

• Doctor’s office or health clinic
• Family service or social service agency
• Psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist
• Counselor or social worker

Remember, even if asking for help seems scary, it's an important step toward feeling better. 

Learn more about finding mental health services that work for you.

Get support.

If you have depression, it can also help to get support from people around you. You don't have to face depression alone. A trusted family member, friend, or faith leader can help support you as you seek medical treatment. 

Get ideas to build your support system.

Get active.

Getting active can lower your stress level and boost your mood, which can help treatments for depression work better. Keep in mind getting active doesn’t have to mean going to the gym — try taking a few short walks each week instead. Learn more about getting active.

If someone you care about is depressed, get help.

If you think a friend or family member may be depressed, check out these tips on how to talk to a loved one about depression. 

Keep in mind that many people with depression have low energy and a hard time concentrating. This can make it difficult to do things like schedule appointments or remember to take medicines. Some things you can do to help include:

• Make calls or schedule appointments for your loved one
• Offer to accompany your loved one to their appointments
• Remind them to take their medicines

Get help right away if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide.

To get help for yourself or someone else, call or text 988 or check out the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. And if someone’s in immediate danger, call 911.

It’s important for your child to have their vision checked at least once between ages 3 and 5 years, even if they don’t show signs of eye problems. The doctor or nurse can help make sure your child’s vision develops normally. They can also help catch eye problems early.

Healthy eyes help your child grow, learn, and explore the world around them — and vision checks are a great way to help protect your child’s eyes.

What are common eye problems in children?

Doctors can treat some common eye problems if they're found early enough. For example:

• Lazy eye (amblyopia)
• Crossed eyes (strabismus)

Other eye problems — like being nearsighted or farsighted — can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Eye problems like these are called refractive errors. Read more about refractive errors.

Is my child at risk for eye problems?

Anyone can have eye problems — but if your family has a history of childhood eye problems, your child may be more likely to have them too. Be sure to talk to the doctor about eye problems that run in your family.

Eye exams are part of regular checkups.

The doctor or nurse will check your child’s eyes during each checkup, beginning with your child’s first well-baby visit.

When your child is around age 3 or 4 years, the doctor or nurse will do a more complete eye exam to make sure your child's vision is developing normally. If there are any problems, the doctor may send your child to an eye doctor.

Take these steps to help protect your child’s eyes and vision.

Talk to your child’s doctor.

Ask the doctor or nurse if there are any problems with your child’s eyes.

If the doctor recommends a visit to an eye care professional:

• Ask the doctor for the name of an eye doctor who is good with kids — you can also use these tips to find an eye doctor 
• Write down any information about your child’s eye problem
• Plan your child’s visit to the eye doctor

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover vision screening for kids. Depending on your insurance plan, your child may be able to get screened at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) also cover vision care for kids. Learn more about Medicaid and CHIP.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost vision screening for your child. Check these websites for free or low-cost eye care programs for children:

 

• Get Free or Low-Cost Eye Care
• All Children See
• VSP Vision Eyes of Hope
• InfantSEE®

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

 

Look out for problems.

Schedule an eye exam for your child if you notice signs of an eye problem, like if your child’s eyes:

• Look crossed
• Turn outwards
• Don’t focus together
• Are red, crusted, or swollen around the eyelids

Know the warning signs of vision problems in children.

Protect your child’s eyes.

• Don’t let your child play with toys that have sharp edges or points
• Keep sharp or pointed objects, like knives and scissors, away from your child
• Protect your child’s eyes from the sun with kids’ sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays
• Keep chemicals (like household cleaners and bug spray) in places that kids can't reach
• Make sure your child wears the right eye protection for sports

Get more tips on preventing eye injuries. 

Help develop your child’s vision.

It takes skill to match up what we see with what we want to do — like when we want to bounce a ball or read a book.

Here are some activities that can help your child develop vision skills:

• Read to your child and let your child see what you are reading
• Play with your child using a chalkboard, finger paints, or blocks
• Take your child to the playground to climb the jungle gym and walk on the balance beam
• Play catch with your child

Older adults need to get vaccines (shots) to prevent serious diseases. Protect your health by getting all your vaccines on schedule. 

If you're age 50 years or older:

• Get a shingles vaccine. Shingles causes a painful rash that can last for months. Learn about shingles vaccines.

If you’re age 60 years or older:

• Talk to your doctor about getting an RSV vaccine. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infections are usually mild, but can be serious for some people. Learn more about RSV vaccines.

If you're age 65 years or older:

• Get a pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal disease can include pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. Learn about pneumococcal vaccines.

It’s also important for all adults to:

• Get a flu vaccine every year. The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Learn about the flu vaccine.
• Get the Tdap vaccine to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis). Everyone needs to get the Tdap vaccine at least once. Learn about the Tdap vaccine.
• After you get a Tdap vaccine, get a Td vaccine every 10 years to keep you protected from tetanus and diphtheria. Learn about the Td vaccine.
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about other vaccines you may need to stay healthy.  

Why do I need to get vaccines?

Vaccines help protect you from diseases that can be serious — and sometimes deadly. Many of these diseases are common, but vaccines can prevent them.  

Even if you’ve always gotten your vaccines on schedule, you still need to get some vaccines as an older adult. That’s because: 

• Older adults are more likely to get certain diseases 
• Older adults are at higher risk for serious health problems caused by diseases like COVID-19 or the flu
• Protection from some vaccines can wear off over time 

Getting vaccinated also protects other people.

When you get vaccines, you don’t just protect yourself — you also protect others. This is especially important if you spend time around anyone with a long-term health problem or a weakened immune system (the system in the body that fights infections). 

Protect yourself and the people around you by staying up to date on your vaccines. Find out how getting vaccinated helps protect people in your community. 

Do I need any other vaccines to help me stay healthy?

You may need other vaccines if you: 

• Have a long-term health condition like diabetes or heart, lung, or liver disease 
• Didn’t get all your vaccines when you were a child 
• Have a health condition that makes it harder for your body to fight off infections — like HIV or problems with your spleen 
• Are a man who has sex with men 
• Smoke 
• Spend time with infants or young children 
• Travel outside the United States 

And you may need other vaccines if you work in certain places, like a hospital or nursing home.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need any other vaccines. Find out what vaccines are recommended for you.

Talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about getting up to date on your vaccines.

Make a plan to get your vaccines.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor or nurse to get the vaccines you need. You may also be able to get vaccines at your local pharmacy. 

If you’re not sure where to start, call your doctor’s office or local health department. 

Get a seasonal flu vaccine every year.

Remember, everyone age 6 months and older needs to get the seasonal flu vaccine every year. You can use this tool to find flu vaccines near you. 

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans must cover recommended vaccines. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your vaccines at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more. 

Medicare also covers most recommended vaccines for older adults at no cost. If you have Medicare, use this tool to see what Medicare covers. 

If you don’t have insurance, you still may be able to get free or low-cost vaccines: 

• Find a health center near you and ask about vaccines  
• Find a free or low-cost vaccine program

To learn more, check out these resources: 

• Free preventive care covered by the Affordable Care Act 
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you 
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB] 

Keep a copy of your vaccination record.

Ask your doctor to print out a record of all the vaccines you've had. Keep this record in a safe place. You may need it for certain jobs or if you travel outside the United States. 

If you're not sure which vaccines you’ve had, try these tips for finding old vaccination records. If you still can’t find a record of your vaccines, talk with your doctor about getting some vaccines again. 

If you got vaccinated for COVID-19, you might have a paper card that lists when and where you got your vaccine doses. Keep the card in a safe place with the rest of your vaccine records.  If you lost the card or don’t have one, you can contact the pharmacy or doctor’s office where you got vaccinated for COVID — or your state’s health department — to get a copy of your vaccination records. 

Adults need to get vaccines (shots) just like kids do. Make sure you're up to date on your vaccines to help protect your health.

• Get a flu vaccine every year. The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Learn more about the flu vaccine.
• Get the Tdap vaccine to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis). Everyone needs to get the Tdap vaccine at least once — and some people might need more doses. For example, pregnant women need a dose during every pregnancy. Learn about the Tdap vaccine.
• After you get a Tdap vaccine, get a Td vaccine every 10 years to keep you protected from tetanus and diphtheria. Learn about the Td vaccine.
• Get the HPV vaccine to protect against HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is a very common infection that can cause cancer. Everyone needs the HPV vaccine by age 26 years. If you’re ages 27 to 45 years and you haven’t gotten the HPV vaccine, talk to your doctor. Learn more about the HPV vaccine.
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about other vaccines you may need to stay healthy.

Why do I need to get vaccines?

Vaccines help protect you against diseases that can be serious — and sometimes deadly. Many of these diseases are common, but vaccines can prevent them. 

Even if you got all your vaccines as a child, you still need vaccines as an adult. The protection from some vaccines can wear off over time, like the Td vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria. And as you get older, you may be at risk for other diseases.

Getting vaccinated also protects other people. 

Getting your vaccines doesn't just protect you — it also protects the people around you. Some people in your family or community may not be able to get certain vaccines because of their age or a health condition. 

Protect yourself and the people around you by staying up to date on your vaccines. Find out how getting vaccinated helps protect people in your community. 

Do I need any other vaccines to help me stay healthy?

You may need other vaccines if you:

• Have a long-term health condition like diabetes or heart, lung, or liver disease 
• Didn’t get all your vaccines when you were a child
• Have a health condition that makes it harder for your body to fight off infections — like HIV or problems with your spleen
• Are pregnant
• Are a man who has sex with men
• Smoke
• Drink heavily or have alcohol use disorder
• Spend time with infants or young children
• Travel outside the United States

And you may need other vaccines if you work in certain places, like a hospital or nursing home.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need any other vaccines. Find out what vaccines are recommended for you.

Talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about getting up to date on your vaccines.

Make a plan to get your vaccines.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor or nurse to get the vaccines you need. You may also be able to get vaccines at your local pharmacy. 

If you’re not sure where to start, call your doctor’s office or local health department. 

Get a seasonal flu vaccine every year.

Remember, everyone age 6 months and older needs to get the seasonal flu vaccine every year. You can use this tool to find flu vaccines near you.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover vaccines. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get vaccines at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more. 

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost vaccines:  

• Find a health center near you and ask about vaccines 
• Find a free or low-cost vaccine program

To learn more, check out these resources: 

• Free preventive care for adults covered by the Affordable Care Act  
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you 
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Keep a copy of your vaccination record.

Ask your doctor to print out a record of all the vaccines you've had. Keep this record in a safe place. You may need it for certain jobs or if you travel outside the United States. 

If you're not sure which vaccines you’ve had, try these tips for finding old vaccination records. If you still can’t find a record of your vaccines, talk with your doctor — you may need to get some vaccines again. 

If you got vaccinated for COVID-19, you might have a paper card that lists when and where you got your vaccine doses. Keep the card in a safe place with the rest of your vaccine records. If you lost the card or don’t have one, you can contact the pharmacy or doctor’s office where you got vaccinated for COVID — or your state’s health department — to get a copy of your vaccination records. 

All pre-teens need 2 doses of the HPV vaccine (shot) when they are age 11 or 12.

What is HPV?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common infection that can cause cancer. 

HPV infections can cause:

• Cervical cancer
• Cancer inside the vagina (vaginal cancer) or around the opening of the vagina (vulvar cancer)
• Cancer of the penis (penile cancer)
• Cancer of the anus (anal cancer)
• Cancer of the back of the throat (oropharyngeal cancer)
• It can also cause warts in the genital area.

The good news is that the HPV vaccine can prevent many of these diseases. Learn more about HPV.

When does my child need to get the HPV vaccine?

Doctors recommend that all children get 2 doses of the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 years, but your child can get it as early as age 9 years. Doctors usually give the 2 doses 6 to 12 months apart.

Keep in mind that the HPV vaccine works best if your child gets it at the recommended age. And — like with other vaccines — kids have the best protection when they get all their doses on schedule.

What if my child is older than 12 years?

It’s not too late to protect your child. Teens who didn't get the HPV vaccine when they were younger can still get it now.

Teens ages 13 to 14 years need 2 doses 6 to 12 months apart — just like kids ages 11 to 12 years. Teens and adults who get their first dose of the vaccine after their 15th birthday will need 3 doses spread out over 6 months.

Young adults can get the HPV vaccine, too. Everyone can get the vaccine through age 26 years — and some adults ages 27 to 45 years may decide to get vaccinated after talking with their doctor. But it's still best for your child to get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 years.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

Yes, the vaccine is very safe. It's recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

For more information about the HPV vaccine, check out:

• HPV Vaccination
• Reasons to Get Vaccinated
• HPV: Resource for Parents
• HPV Vaccine Information for Young Women

What are the possible side effects of the HPV vaccine?

The most common side effects are pain, redness, or swelling near where the shot was given. Other common side effects are fever, nausea (upset stomach), headache, and feeling tired.

Some pre-teens and teens may faint after getting any vaccine, including the HPV vaccine. It's a good idea to have your child sit or lie down while getting the shot — and for 15 minutes afterward.

Keep in mind that the benefits of the HPV vaccine far outweigh the risk of side effects.

Help protect your child’s health with the HPV vaccine.

Schedule a doctor's visit for your child.

Doctors will usually give the first dose of the HPV vaccine during your child’s yearly checkup at age 11 or 12 years. But your child can get their doses at any doctor’s visit. Remember, it’s always a good idea to check with your child’s doctor to make sure they’re getting all the recommended vaccines.

Learn about other vaccines your pre-teen may need.

Make sure your child gets their doses of the HPV vaccine at the recommended times.

It’s important for your child to get the HPV vaccine on schedule. To make sure you stay on track, schedule appointments for any remaining doses on the day your child gets the first one.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover recommended vaccines. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your child's HPV vaccine at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Your child may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn about coverage options for your family 

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost HPV shots for your child.

• Find out if your child qualifies for free vaccines
• Find a free or low-cost vaccination program in your state
• Find a health center near you and ask about the HPV vaccine

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you  
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Vaccines (also called shots or immunizations) help protect children from serious diseases. Getting your child vaccinated also protects other people in your community who may not be able to get vaccines.

Vaccines work best when children get them at certain ages. Making sure your child gets vaccinated on schedule helps keep them healthy.

It’s important for your child to get all recommended vaccines.

Getting all recommended vaccines will help protect your child from diseases that can be dangerous or even deadly, including:

• Measles
• Whooping cough (pertussis)
• Chickenpox
• Hepatitis A and B

Many vaccines require more than 1 dose. For the best protection, your child needs to get every recommended dose of each vaccine. If your child misses a dose, they may not be protected.

It’s important for every child to get vaccinated.

Thanks to vaccines, many serious childhood diseases that used to be common are now rare. But the bacteria and viruses (germs) that cause these diseases are still around.

Each child who isn't vaccinated can get sick themselves — or spread those germs to other people.

When does my child need these vaccines?

Children need to get different vaccines at different ages. Doctors follow a schedule for vaccines that begins at birth.

• Use this parent-friendly vaccine schedule to find out when kids age 6 years or younger need vaccines
• If you think your child may have missed some vaccines, talk to the doctor about "catch-up" vaccines
• Doctors recommend that pre-teens ages 11 and 12 years get important vaccines, too — find out more about vaccines for pre-teens 

Ask the doctor for a list of the vaccines your child has gotten. Keep the list in a safe place — you'll need it for school and other activities. Kids who aren't up to date on their vaccines may not be allowed to go to certain schools. 

Are there any side effects from these vaccines?

Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and go away after a few days. The most common side effect is pain or redness where the vaccine was given. Some children don’t have any side effects at all.

Vaccines are very safe.

Vaccines go through a careful testing process before doctors start giving them to people. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to track vaccines to make sure they're safe. The chance that a vaccine will cause a serious problem is very small.

Vaccines don’t cause autism.

Autism is a brain disorder that can cause social, communication, and behavioral issues. For example, kids with autism may have trouble talking and connecting with other people.

Some people have worried that autism could be linked to childhood vaccines. But many studies have shown that vaccines don’t cause autism.

To learn more about kids and vaccines.

Protect your child from serious diseases by making sure they get all recommended vaccines.

Find out which vaccines your child needs.

Talk to your child’s doctor about vaccines. Be sure your child gets:

• Any vaccines recommended for their age — learn more about which vaccines your child may still need
• A seasonal flu vaccine — everyone age 6 months and older needs to get the seasonal flu vaccine every year
• An updated COVID-19 vaccine — people age 6 months and older also need to get vaccinated for COVID

Some babies also need to get an RSV shot, depending on the time of year they were born and if their mother got an RSV vaccine during pregnancy. RSV shots for babies aren’t vaccines — but like vaccines, they help keep babies from getting sick. Ask your baby’s doctor if they need an RSV shot, and learn more about protecting your baby from RSV.

You can usually get flu and COVID vaccines and RSV shots at a health clinic, a pharmacy, or your local health department. If you’re not sure where to start, call your child’s doctor or your local health department. 

Tell the doctor about bad reactions.

Serious side effects after getting a vaccine — like a severe allergic reaction — are very rare. If your child or another family member has had a bad reaction to a vaccine in the past, tell the doctor before your child gets a vaccine.

Pay extra attention to your child for a few days after they get a vaccine. If you see something that worries you, call your child’s doctor.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover recommended vaccines for kids. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your child’s vaccines at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out what’s included in your plan.

Your child may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn more about coverage options for your family.

If you don’t have insurance, you can still get your child’s vaccines:

• Find out if your child qualifies for free vaccines
• Find a free or low-cost vaccination program in your state
• Find a health center near you and ask about vaccines

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Help make the vaccine visit easier for your child.

To help your child during their vaccine visit, you can:

• Stay calm
• Ask the doctor or nurse for tips on how to hold a young child during the shot
• Distract your child during the vaccine — like telling a joke, singing a song, or pointing to a picture on the wall
• Praise your child after the vaccine is over

Get more tips on making vaccines less stressful for you and your child.

If your family has a history of breast or ovarian cancer, talk with your doctor or nurse about it. You may be at higher risk of developing these and other types of cancer — or getting them again.

Keep in mind that anyone who has breasts can get breast cancer. 

Talk with your doctor about genetic counseling and genetic testing.

Genetic counseling and genetic testing for mutations (changes) in certain genes — including BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes — can help you understand your risk of certain types of cancer that can run in families.

Doctors don’t recommend genetic testing for everyone. Before a doctor recommends testing, you’ll usually have what’s called a risk assessment — you’ll meet with a genetic counselor or another health professional to talk about things like:

• Your health history
• People in your family who have had cancer
• What kind of cancer they had
• How old they were when they were diagnosed with cancer

That’s because certain patterns of cancer in 1 family — for example, breast cancer at an early age or multiple cases of breast and ovarian cancer — may suggest a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. 

What is genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling is when a trained health professional talks with you about your personal health history and your family's health history and helps you decide if genetic testing makes sense for you. Counseling can also help you understand your results if you decide to get tested.

Find out more about genetic counseling for breast and ovarian cancer.

What is genetic testing?

Genetic tests help doctors look for certain harmful mutations in genes that can run in families. Genetic testing can’t tell you whether you’ll get cancer, but it can show if you have a genetic mutation that raises your risk.

If you have one of these mutations in certain genes, including BRCA1 or BRCA2, you're more likely to develop breast cancer or ovarian cancer. You're also more likely to develop these cancers at a younger age, and you may be at higher risk of developing some other kinds of cancer.

The good news is you and your doctor can discuss options for managing your risk.

To learn more, check out:

• Genetic Testing FAQ
• BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Testing

Talk with your doctor about a breast cancer screening strategy that’s right for you.

If you have genetic mutations that raise your risk of breast cancer, you may choose a different screening strategy than what’s recommended for someone with average risk. For example, you may choose to:

• Start getting screened at a younger age
• Get screened more often
• Get screened with both mammograms and MRIs (a type of scan that creates detailed images of areas inside the body)  

The goal is to catch breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat. Talk with your doctor about your screening strategy.

Ask if surgery or medicine could lower your breast cancer risk.

Some people with a higher risk of breast or ovarian cancer can have surgery to lower their risk. Learn about surgery to lower breast cancer risk.

Scientists are also studying certain medicines to find out if they can lower breast cancer risk in people who have a family history of breast cancer. Taking medicines to lower cancer risk is called chemoprevention. Learn about medicines that may lower breast cancer risk.

There are side effects and possible harms from both surgery and chemoprevention, so it’s important to talk with your doctor or nurse about your cancer risk and the different options.

Start by talking with a doctor or nurse about your cancer risk.

Talk with a doctor about your family health history.

Use this family health history tool to keep track of any health conditions that run in your family. Then share the information with your doctor or nurse. 

Ask about ways to lower your risk.

You can take steps to lower your risk for breast or ovarian cancer. Ask your doctor for advice. You can also learn more by checking out these resources:

• Breast cancer prevention
• Ovarian cancer prevention

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover these services for people at higher risk of getting breast cancer:

• Counseling about genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations
• Counseling about breast cancer chemoprevention

Many plans will also cover genetic testing when it’s recommended by a doctor. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get counseling and testing at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company and ask about both genetic counseling and genetic testing. 

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost services. Find a health center near you and ask about genetic counseling and testing. 

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for women covered by the Affordable Care Act 
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Make a list of questions for the doctor or genetic counselor.

You may want to ask your doctor or a genetic counselor these questions:

• Based on my health history and my family’s health history, do you recommend genetic testing for me?
• If genetic testing shows I have a mutated gene, will I be able to take action to lower my risk?
• If I decide not to do genetic testing, are there other ways I can manage my risk of breast and ovarian cancer?

You can also take this list of questions about genetic testing to your appointment.

Before you get tested, consider how you may feel.

Your doctor or counselor can talk with you about what you'll learn and how the results will affect you and your family. 

Here are some questions to consider:

• Will finding out about a genetic mutation make me more worried about getting sick? Or will I feel better knowing I may be able to take action to lower my risk?
• If I have a mutated gene, what would it mean for my children's health?
• Should I share the test results with my children and other relatives (like siblings) who could have the same gene mutation? 

You and your doctor can decide whether genetic counseling and testing makes sense for you. But whatever you decide, remember that you still need regular cancer screenings and checkups.

Get screened for breast cancer.

Get a mammogram every 2 years if you're age 40 to 74 years and you have breasts. Learn more about breast cancer screening. 

And if genetic testing has shown that you’re at high risk for breast cancer, you may want to start getting mammograms — or other types of screening tests — earlier or more often. Your doctor can help you decide what’s right for you.

Get your well-woman visit.

Get a well-woman visit every year. Use this visit to talk with your doctor or nurse about important screenings and services (like vaccines) to help you stay healthy.

Doctors recommend that all pre-teens ages 11 and 12 years get important vaccines (also called shots or immunizations) to protect against serious diseases. Getting your child vaccinated also protects other people in your community who may not be able to get vaccines.

Which vaccines does my child need?

All pre-teens need to get the following vaccines.

Meningococcal vaccine

This vaccine protects against types of meningococcal disease, including meningitis. Meningitis is a very serious infection of the tissue around the brain and spinal cord. Kids need their first dose at age 11 or 12 years and a booster shot at age 16 years. Learn more about meningococcal vaccine.

HPV vaccine

This vaccine protects against HPV (human papillomavirus), which can cause several types of cancer. The HPV vaccine is given as a series of shots over several months, starting at age 11 or 12. Learn more about the HPV vaccine.

Tdap booster shot

This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis). It's a single shot that's given to pre-teens at age 11 or 12 years. Learn more about the Tdap vaccine.

Yearly flu vaccine

Getting the flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect against the flu. Learn more about the flu vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get vaccinated against COVID-19. Learn more about getting your child vaccinated for COVID-19. 

Check out this vaccine schedule to learn more. 

It’s important for your pre-teen to get all recommended vaccines.

Each vaccine protects your pre-teen from different diseases. And many vaccines require more than 1 dose. For the best protection, your pre-teen needs to get every dose of each vaccine. If they miss a dose, they may not be protected.

Why does my child need these vaccines?

Vaccines protect your child from serious — and even deadly — diseases. For example: 

• Meningococcal disease can cause brain damage, hearing and vision problems, and the loss of an arm or leg — and it can even be deadly
• Tetanus can cause muscle spasms, breathing problems, paralysis (loss of muscle function), and death
• HPV can cause several types of cancer later in life
• Some serious diseases can spread easily from person to person, like the flu and whooping cough.
• As kids get older, some of the vaccines they got when they were younger begin to wear off. That’s why it’s important to get all recommended boosters. Also, pre-teens’ and teens’ risk of certain infections, like meningococcal disease and HPV infections, gets higher as they get older. Vaccinating them now makes sure they are protected later on. 

It’s important for every child to get vaccines.

Thanks to vaccines, many serious childhood diseases that used to be common are now rare. But the bacteria and viruses (germs) that cause these diseases are still around. 

Each person who isn't vaccinated can get sick themselves — or spread those germs to other people.

Are there any side effects from these vaccines?

Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and go away after a few days. The most common side effect is pain or redness where your child got their vaccine. Many people don’t have any side effects at all.

Vaccines are very safe.

Vaccines go through a careful testing process before doctors start giving them to people. Also, CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to track vaccines to make sure they’re safe. The chance that a vaccine will cause a serious problem is very small.

You can protect your pre-teen’s health by making sure they get all recommended vaccines.

Schedule a checkup for your pre-teen.

The meningococcal, HPV, and Tdap vaccines can be given during your child’s yearly checkup or another doctor’s appointment at age 11 or 12 years. If your child is older but didn’t get these vaccines, it’s not too late. Make an appointment with the doctor to get them now.

Many states require that pre-teens get their meningococcal and Tdap shots before starting certain grades in school.

You can usually get COVID-19 and flu vaccines at a health clinic, pharmacy, or your local health department. If you’re not sure where to start, call your child’s doctor or your local health department.

Tell the doctor about bad reactions.

Serious side effects after getting a vaccine — like a severe allergic reaction — are very rare. If your child or another family member has ever had a bad reaction to a vaccine in the past, tell the doctor before your child gets a vaccine.

Pay extra attention to your child for a few days after they get a vaccine. If you see something that worries you, call your child’s doctor.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover recommended vaccines. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your pre-teen’s vaccines at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out what’s included in your plan.

If you don’t have insurance, you can still get your pre-teen’s vaccines:

• Find out if your child qualifies for free vaccines
• Find a free or low-cost vaccination program in your state
• Find a health center near you and ask about vaccines

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you

Everyone age 6 months and older  needs to get a flu vaccine every year. Seasonal flu vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu.

For many people, seasonal flu is a mild illness. But sometimes, the flu can be serious or even deadly. The flu:

• Is linked to serious infections like pneumonia
• Can make existing health problems worse (for example, long-term heart or lung disease)
• Can lead to hospitalization or death

Flu vaccines can help prevent people from getting sick with the flu — and lower the risk of hospitalization and death for people who do get sick.

The flu spreads easily from person to person. So when you get a flu vaccine, you don’t just protect yourself. You also can help protect everyone around you.

When do I need to get a seasonal flu vaccine?

Most people should get a flu vaccine in September or October each year. After you get vaccinated, it takes about 2 weeks for your body to develop protection against the flu. That’s why it’s a good idea to get a flu vaccine before flu starts to spread in your community.

Even if you don’t get a flu vaccine by the end of October, getting a vaccine later can still protect you from the flu. Keep in mind that flu season can last as late as May or June.

What is the flu?

The flu is caused by viruses that can infect your nose, throat, and lungs. Experts think it mainly spreads from person to person when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. It's also possible to get sick with the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Signs and symptoms of the flu can include:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Feeling tired
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Fever or feeling feverish
• Having chills

For some people, the flu may also cause vomiting (throwing up) and diarrhea (frequent, watery poop). This is more common in children than adults.

Keep in mind that not everyone with the flu gets a fever.

How are flu vaccines given?

You can get a flu vaccine as a shot or as a nasal spray.

Are there any side effects from seasonal flu vaccines?

Flu vaccines can cause side effects, but they're usually mild. They usually start soon after you get the vaccine and last for 1 to 2 days.

Side effects from the flu shot can include:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where you got the shot
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
• Body aches

Side effects from the nasal spray vaccine may include:

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Headache
• Sore throat

These side effects aren’t the flu. You can’t get the flu from flu vaccines.

Am I at higher risk for serious complications from the flu?

For some people, the flu is more likely to cause serious illness that can lead to hospitalization or even death.

People at higher risk for serious flu complications include:

• Children younger than 5 years — and especially children younger than 2 years
• Women who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 2 weeks
• Adults age 65 years and older
• People with some long-term health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
• People with a weakened immune system (like people with HIV)
• People who live in long-term care facilities (like nursing homes)
• People from certain racial and ethnic groups, including people who are African American, Hispanic or Latino, and American Indian or Alaska Native
• People with obesity who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher

If you’re at higher risk for serious flu complications, it’s especially important to get a flu vaccine before the flu starts to spread in your community. And if you care for, or spend time with, someone at higher risk for serious flu complications, a flu vaccine can help protect you both.

Learn more about who’s at high risk for flu complications.

Is there medicine that can treat the flu?

Yes. If you get sick with the flu, your doctor may prescribe medicines called flu antiviral drugs. Flu antiviral drugs can help shorten the time that you’re sick. They can also help prevent serious flu complications.

If you’re at higher risk for serious flu complications and you get flu symptoms, tell your doctor right away.

Flu antiviral drugs work best if you start taking them in the first 2 days after you get sick. But they may still help if you take them later on, especially if you’re very sick.

Get the facts about flu antiviral drugs.

Find out where to get a flu vaccine near you.

Flu vaccines are available in many locations. You can get a flu vaccine at a doctor’s office, a health clinic, a pharmacy, or your local health department. Your employer may also offer flu vaccines.

If you’re not sure where to start, call your doctor’s office or local health department. You can also use this tool to find flu vaccines near you. 

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover seasonal flu vaccines. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get a flu vaccine at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover flu vaccines at no cost. If you have Medicare, learn about Medicare coverage for flu vaccines.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able get a free or low-cost flu vaccine:

• Find a health center near you and ask about flu vaccines
• Find a free or low-cost vaccine program in your state

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Protect yourself and others from the flu.

Getting a flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting yourself from the flu.

Here are some other things you can do to help protect yourself and others from the flu:

• Stay away from people who are sick with the flu
• If you have the flu, stay home — if you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without using a fever-reducing medicine), even if you’re feeling better
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (or with your arm) whether or not you have the flu — and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water — if soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Try not to touch your nose, mouth, or eyes — this helps keep germs from spreading
• Clean surfaces and objects that may have flu germs on them, like doorknobs or bathroom counters — use hot, soapy water or a household cleaner

Most adults with the flu can spread it to others starting the day before they first feel sick — and up to 5 to 7 days after they first notice symptoms. Children may be able to spread the flu for even longer than 7 days after symptoms start.

Did you know that when you play an active role in your health care, you can improve the quality of the care that you and your family get? 

Health care is a team effort, and you're the most important member of the team! Your team also includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and insurance providers. 

To take charge of your health care:

• Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist questions — and don't be afraid to ask them to repeat or explain information
• Know your family's health history
• Keep track of important health information
• See a doctor regularly for checkups
• Be prepared for medical appointments
• Follow up after your appointment

Use these tips to play an active role in your health care.

Keep track of important health information.

Keeping all your health information in one place will make it easier to manage your health care. Take this information with you to every medical appointment.

To start your own personal health record, write down:

• The name and phone number of a friend or relative to call if there’s an emergency
• Dates and results of checkups and screening tests
• All the vaccines (shots) you’ve had — and the dates that you got them
• Medicines you take (including over-the-counter medicines and vitamins), how much you take, and why you take them
• Phone numbers and addresses of all the places you go to for care, including your pharmacy
• Your blood type
• Any health conditions you have — including allergies — and any health conditions that run in your family

If you're not sure about some of this information, check with your doctor’s office.

Know your family health history.

Your family's health history is an important part of your personal health record. Use this family health history tool to keep track of health conditions that run in your family. Take this information with you when you visit the doctor.

See a doctor regularly for checkups.

Getting regular checkups with your doctor or nurse can help you stay healthy. If you don’t have a doctor or nurse, check out these tips for choosing a doctor you can trust.

Regular checkups can help find problems early, when they may be easier to treat. Use these resources to:

• Get personalized recommendations for screening tests and vaccines
• Get information about vaccines to help you stay healthy
• Learn about recommended screenings

You have the right to get the care you need to be as healthy as possible — your race or ethnicity, sexual identity, or other factors should not affect this. But sometimes bias in the health care system can affect the types of treatment and care people get.

Follow these tips to help make sure you get the right care:

• Ask as many questions as you need to during your appointment — and ask the doctor or nurse to repeat information if you missed something. Consider writing down your 2 to 3 most important questions before your appointment and asking those first. 
• If you’re not comfortable speaking with the doctor or nurse in English, ask for translation services.
• Keep in mind that you can ask another doctor for a second opinion if you’re not sure about the care you’re getting. You may need to check with your insurance company to see if your plan will cover a visit to another doctor.
• Ask a friend or family member to come with you to appointments — they can offer support, take notes, or help you ask questions.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover many preventive services, like screenings and vaccines. Plans must also cover well-child visits through age 21 years and well-woman visits. 

Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get preventive services at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company for more information.

Medicare also covers certain health services at no cost. Use this tool to see what Medicare covers. 

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost health services. To learn more, find a health center near you.

You can also check out these resources:

• Free preventive care covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Write down any questions you have about your health. Take the list with you to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Use this tool to build your list of questions.

Make the most of doctor visits.

Take your list of questions and personal health record with you to the appointment. You may also want to ask a family member or friend to go with you to help take notes.

Be sure to talk about any changes since your last visit, like:

• New medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter medicines
• New herbs, home remedies, and vitamins you're taking
• Recent illnesses or surgeries
• Important changes in your life, like losing your job or a death in the family
• Health concerns or issues

You can also ask your doctor questions about health information you’ve found online or heard from others.

Follow up after your appointment.

It can take time and hard work to make healthy changes you might have talked about with your doctor or nurse. Remember to:

• Call if you have any questions — or if you experience side effects from a medicine
• Schedule follow-up appointments for tests or lab work if you need to
• Contact the doctor to get test results if you need to

If you’re age 45 to 75 years, you should get screened (tested) regularly for colorectal cancer. If you’re age 76 to 85 years, ask your doctor if you need to continue to get screened.

You may need to start getting screened before age 45 years if colorectal cancer runs in your family.

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. 

There are several kinds of screening tests for colorectal cancer. You can even do some at home. Before your next doctor visit, learn about the different types of tests that check for colorectal cancer. Then, use that information to talk with your doctor about which test is right for you.

You can also take this quiz to find out which screening test you might prefer.

What do I ask the doctor?

When you visit the doctor, it helps to have questions ready ahead of time. You can also ask a family member or friend to go with you to take notes.

Consider taking this list of questions to your next appointment.

• Am I at higher risk for colorectal cancer?
• When do you recommend that I start getting tested?
• How often do I need to get tested?
• What are the different types of screening tests for colorectal cancer?
• Which screening test do you recommend for me? Why?
• What happens during the test? How do I prepare?
• Does the test have any risks or side effects?
• How long will it take to get the results?
• What can I do to lower my risk of colorectal cancer?

Calcium is important at every age, but many people don’t get enough. Your body needs calcium to build strong bones when you’re young and to keep your bones strong as you get older. Getting enough calcium is especially important for children and teens, young adults, and women after menopause. 

How much calcium do I need every day?

Women:

• If you're age 19 to 50 years, get 1,000 mg (milligrams) of calcium every day
• If you're 51 years or older, get 1,200 mg of calcium every day

Men:

• If you're age 19 to 70 years, get 1,000 mg of calcium every day
• If you're 71 years or older, get 1,200 mg of calcium every day

Kids:

• Babies ages 6 to 12 months need 260 mg of calcium every day
• Kids ages 1 to 3 years need 700 mg of calcium every day
• Kids ages 4 to 8 years need 1,000 mg of calcium every day
• Kids ages 9 to 18 years need 1,300 mg of calcium every day

Check the Nutrition Facts label to find out how much calcium is in your food. 

Calcium can help prevent osteoporosis (weak bones).

Osteoporosis is a disease that makes your bones weak and more likely to break. Some people don’t know they have it until they break a bone.

Four in 20 women and 1 in 20 men older than 65 years in the United States have osteoporosis. Calcium helps keep your bones strong and makes them less likely to break.

How can I get enough calcium?

The best way to get enough calcium is to eat foods with calcium every day.

Calcium is in foods like:

• Fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Soy milk or yogurt with added calcium
• Certain vegetables—including soybeans, collard greens, and turnip greens
• Tofu with added calcium
• Orange juice with added calcium
• Breakfast cereal with added calcium

For more ideas, check out this list of foods that are high in calcium.

Getting calcium from foods is best. But if you don’t eat enough foods with calcium, you can talk to your doctor about taking a calcium supplement every day. You can take a multivitamin with calcium or a pill that has only calcium.

Here are some tips to help you get enough calcium.

Check the label.

The Daily Value (DV) on the Nutrition Facts label tells you the amount of a nutrient (like calcium) that’s in a serving of the food. Foods that have at least 20% DV of calcium are excellent choices. Foods with at least 10% DV of calcium are good, too.

For example:

• A cup of fat-free milk has about 300 mg of calcium, or 23% DV
• A cup of orange juice with added calcium has about 350 mg of calcium, or 27% DV

Learn how to understand and use the Nutrition Facts label.

To find foods high in calcium when you go food shopping, use this calcium shopping list.

If you take a calcium supplement, make it easy to remember. 

Use these tips to help you remember:

• Take it at the same time every day — for example, when you brush your teeth before bed
• Leave the pill bottle out where you’ll see it, like on the kitchen counter or by the bathroom sink. Just remember to keep it out of reach of young children.

Get enough vitamin D.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb (take in) calcium. Your body makes vitamin D when you’re out in the sun. You can also get vitamin D from:

• Fish like salmon, tuna, and trout
• Fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk or soy milk with added vitamin D
• Some breakfast cereals, yogurt, and juices with added vitamin D
• Vitamin D pills

Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin D pills.

Learn more about:

• How much vitamin D you need
• Food sources of vitamin D

Follow a healthy eating routine. 

Along with eating foods high in calcium, it’s important to follow a healthy eating routine. That means eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and proteins. Learn more about healthy eating.

You can take steps to stay healthy and active as you get older. It’s important to:

• Keep your body and mind active
• Choose healthy foods
• Take steps to prevent falls
• Stay safe while driving
• Talk to your doctor about any health concerns you have

Remember, it’s never too late to make healthy changes in your life.

Learn more about staying healthy as you get older.

These steps can help you live a healthier life, prevent injuries, and keep doing the things you love.

Keep your body active.

Staying active as you get older is one of the best things you can do for your health. Regular physical activity can help you:

• Lower your risk for long-term diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, osteoporosis, and some cancers
• Improve your balance and prevent falls
• Stay independent and live on your own longer
• Improve your mood and sleep
• Help with symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Improve your ability to think, learn, and make decisions

Keep in mind that if you haven’t been active in the past, it’s not too late to start! Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what activities might work best for you.

• Get more tips on staying active as you get older
• Find out how to move your way — with activities you really enjoy
• Read about the benefits of physical activity

Do aerobic activity.

Anything that gets your heart beating faster counts as aerobic activity.

• Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week — and break up the time over the week however you want. Try walking, swimming, or doing yard work.
• If you’re just getting started, go slow and do what you can. Even a 5-minute daily walk has real health benefits. Build up to more activity over time.

Get more ideas for aerobic activities you can try.

Do strength, balance, and stretching activities.

Doing different types of physical activity can make it easier to do everyday tasks. That's why it's important to:

• Do muscle-strengthening activities 2 or more days a week
• Do exercises to improve your balance and help prevent falls
• Do stretching (flexibility) exercises so you can move more easily

If you're doing physical activity outdoors, follow these safety tips. And if you have a health condition, talk with your doctor about the best activities for you. Learn more about getting active with a health condition.

Get ideas for eating healthy.

Eating healthy is always important, no matter how old you are. And it’s never too late to make healthy changes to your diet.

Choose a mix of healthy foods you enjoy from each food group, including:

• Whole fruits — like apples, berries, oranges, mango, and bananas
• Vegetables — like broccoli, sweet potatoes, beets, okra, spinach, peppers, and jicama 
• Whole grains — like brown rice, millet, oatmeal, bulgur, and whole-wheat bread
• Proteins — like lean meats and chicken, eggs, seafood, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and tofu
• Low-fat or fat-free dairy — like milk, yogurt, cheese, lactose-free dairy, and fortified plant-based alternatives (such as soy milk or soy yogurt) 
• Oils — like vegetable oil, olive oil, and oils in foods like seafood, avocado, and nuts

Use these resources to:

• Build a healthy eating routine [PDF - 1.8 MB]
• Learn more about healthy eating
• Get more tips and ideas for eating healthy as you get older 
• Read more about healthy eating for older adults
• Find healthy recipes from the MyPlate Kitchen

Play an active role in your health care.

Your doctor or nurse can help you stay healthy as you get older. Take these steps before and during a visit with your doctor:

• Use the MyHealthfinder tool to get a list of preventive services recommended for you. Print out the list and take it with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
• Learn about preventive services covered by the Affordable Care Act. Most health insurance plans must cover preventive services like screenings and vaccines at no cost to you.
• Get tips for making the most of your doctor's appointments. Find out how to choose a doctor you can trust, what questions to ask during your doctor’s visits, and how you can take advantage of telehealth (virtual visits).
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about your medicines. Get more tips for using medicines safely.
• If you have signs of depression — like feeling down or losing interest in activities you used to enjoy — let your doctor know. Depression is treatable — and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Learn more about depression in older adults.

If you have Medicare, be sure to schedule your Medicare wellness visit every year.

If you smoke, quit.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free help with quitting. You can also:

• Get more tips for quitting smoking
• Check out the benefits of quitting smoking when you're older

If you have a history of heavy smoking and you smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, ask your doctor about screening for lung cancer.

Take steps to prevent falls.

Older adults are at higher risk for serious injuries from falls. Take these steps to lower your risk of falling:

• Use this checklist to make your home safer [PDF - 3 MB].
• Do exercises to improve your balance.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines. Some medicines can make you dizzy or sleepy and raise your risk for a fall. Learn more about using medicines safely.
• Get your vision checked every 1 to 2 years. And be sure to get new glasses or contact lenses when your vision changes. Read more about protecting your vision.
• If you're worried that you might have hearing loss, get your hearing checked. Learn more about hearing loss. 
• Learn more about lowering your risk of falls.

Put smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Older adults are more likely to be injured or killed in home fires, which is why it's important to have working smoke alarms in your home.

It’s also important to put carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Carbon monoxide is a gas that you can’t see or smell but that can kill you. Carbon monoxide is found in fumes that form when people burn fuel in vehicles, stoves, grills, fireplaces, and furnaces.

To stay safe:

• Put smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home and near places where people sleep. Don't forget about the basement!
• Use long-life smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors if possible. These use lithium batteries and last longer than regular devices — and you won’t have to change the battery. Replace the entire unit at least every 10 years.
• If you use regular smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, replace the batteries at least once a year. Try changing the batteries when you change your clocks back from daylight saving time in the fall.
• Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors once a month by pushing the test button. Replace them if they don't work.
• Replace smoke alarms at least every 10 years and carbon monoxide detector at least every 5 to 7 years.
• Dust or vacuum smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.

You may also be able to get alarms that check for both smoke and carbon monoxide.

Consider these resources:

• Learn about home fires
• Get more information about smoke alarms [PDF - 3 MB]
• Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning

Stay safe while driving.

Getting older doesn’t make you a bad driver. But changes that come with aging can make it harder for you to drive safely. You may have trouble seeing at night or find it harder to react quickly to avoid an accident.

Take steps to help keep yourself and others safe on the road:

• Get your vision and hearing checked regularly
• Always wear your seat belt
• Never use your phone while driving
• Plan your route and drive on streets you know
• If you have any concerns about your health and driving, see your doctor. Don’t risk hurting yourself or others. If you’re not comfortable driving or not able to drive, you can use this tool to check for transportation services in your area.

Read more about older adults and driving.

Challenge your mind.

Just like physical activity is good for your body, activities that challenge your mind can help keep your brain healthy.

As you get older, you can:

• Learn new things — Take a class or challenge yourself to read a section of the newspaper that you normally skip
• Connect with other people — Try sharing meals with a friend or volunteering at a local school
• Keep moving — Joining a hiking club, trying a dance class, or taking up other active hobbies can benefit not only your physical health but also your brain

Learn more about how you can take care of your brain health as you age.

If you're forgetting things more often than usual and it’s getting in the way of doing everyday activities, talk with your doctor or nurse. Learn more about memory problems.

Get support if you're a caregiver.

A caregiver is someone who helps a family member, friend, or neighbor who is sick or has a disability.

Caregiving can be stressful — that’s why it’s important to make time to care for yourself, too. Learn how to get support if you’re a caregiver. 

You can also:

• Get more tips and resources for caregivers
• Find information about caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease
• Learn more about taking care of yourself if you're a caregiver
• Check for services for older adults and their families in your community

Most skin cancers are caused by contact with ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other sources of UV radiation, like tanning beds.

Limiting your contact with UV radiation lowers your risk of skin cancer. To protect your skin from damage caused by UV radiation:

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest
• Cover up with long sleeves, long pants or a long skirt, a hat, and sunglasses
• Put on broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
• Don’t use indoor tanning machines

A change on your skin — like a new growth or mole, a sore that won’t heal, or a change in an old mole — is the most common sign of skin cancer. If you notice a change in your skin, talk to your doctor. 

Read more about how to protect yourself from skin cancer. 

Why do I need to protect my skin?

Protecting your skin from the sun and other UV radiation today may help prevent skin cancer later in life. Most skin cancer appears later in life, but skin damage from the sun can start during childhood.

Taking steps to protect your skin may also help prevent:

• Wrinkles
• Blotches or spots on your skin
• Other damage to your skin and eyes

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer in the United States. There are 3 main types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are also called nonmelanoma skin cancer, and they’re much more common than melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Skin cancer can almost always be cured when it’s found and treated early. That’s why it’s important to check your skin regularly for new growths (like moles or lumps) or changes in old growths. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you notice a change.

To learn more about skin cancer, check out:

• Skin Cancer
• Skin Cancer and Aging

What causes skin cancer?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV radiation can also come from tanning beds, tanning booths, or sunlamps.

Anyone can get skin cancer. You’re at higher risk if you have:

• Fair (light-colored) skin with freckles
• Skin that burns easily or doesn’t tan easily
• Blond or red hair
• Blue or green eyes

You’re at higher risk for melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, if you have:

• Unusual moles (moles that change color, grow unevenly, or change in texture)
• A large number of moles (more than 50)
• Fair skin that burns easily
• A family history of melanoma or unusual moles
• A personal history of frequently coming in contact with sunlight or UV radiation
• A personal history of many blistering sunburns, especially when you were a child or teenager

Find out more about unusual moles and melanoma risk. And be sure to talk with your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns.

Can people with dark skin get skin cancer?

Yes. Anyone can get skin cancer, even people with dark skin — like Black or African American people. That’s why it’s important to protect your skin from the sun — even if you don’t get sunburns easily — and to check your body for signs of skin cancer regularly. 

Keep in mind that people with dark skin may get melanoma on parts of the body you might not expect, like: 

• The palms of the hands
• The bottoms of the feet
• Under the nails

Get the facts about skin cancer in people of color.

Take these simple steps to help prevent damage to your skin.

Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The sun’s rays are the strongest from mid-morning to late afternoon. Try to stay out of the sun during these hours. If you're outside, stay in the shade — like under a tree or umbrella.

Cover up with long sleeves, a hat, and sunglasses.

Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants or a long skirt when you spend time outdoors. Clothes made from tightly woven fabrics are best for blocking UV rays.

Wear a hat with a wide brim that protects your face and neck. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. If you wear a baseball cap or visor, be sure to protect your ears and the back of your neck with sunscreen.

It’s also important to wear sunglasses that block UV light. This will help protect your eyes and the skin around them from sun damage. Wrap-around sunglasses are best because they block UV rays from the side and the front.

Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.

Use sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection, also called broad spectrum sunscreen. Check the expiration date on the bottle to make sure it’s not out of date.

To get the most protection:

• Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days — UV rays can still harm your skin when it's cloudy outside
• Put sunscreen on 30 minutes before you go outside — and put on more sunscreen every 2 hours and after you swim or sweat
• Be sure to use enough sunscreen — you’ll need about a handful to cover your whole body
• Remember to apply sunscreen to your ears, hands, feet, the back of your neck, and any part of your scalp that isn’t covered by hair
• Use lip balm with sunscreen in it to protect your lips
• If you wear very lightweight or loosely woven clothing (like a beach cover-up or thin T-shirt), put sunscreen on under your clothes

Learn more about sunscreen.

Don’t use indoor tanning machines.

Tanning beds, tanning booths, and sunlamps are not any safer than tanning in the sun.

Just like tanning in the sun, indoor tanning can cause skin cancer, wrinkles, age spots, and other damage to your skin and eyes.

Check your skin regularly.

See a doctor or nurse right away if you notice:

• A new growth (like a mole or lump) on your skin
• An existing growth that has changed in size, shape, color, or feel
• A mole that bleeds or a sore that doesn’t heal

Most skin changes are harmless, but only a doctor or nurse can tell you for sure. Some doctors may recommend that you check your skin at home. Learn more about checking your skin for cancer.

Keep in mind that skin cancer might look different on dark skin than on light skin. Learn more about skin cancer in people with dark skin.

It's important to get enough sleep. Sleep helps keep your mind and body healthy.

How much sleep do I need?

Most adults need 7 or more hours of sleep each night. It’s also important to get good-quality sleep on a regular schedule so you feel rested when you wake up.

If you often have trouble sleeping — or if you often still feel tired after sleeping — talk with your doctor.

Get details about healthy sleep habits and sleep disorders.

How much sleep do children need?

Kids need even more sleep than adults:

• Teens (age 13 to 17 years) need to sleep between 8 and 10 hours each night
• School-aged children (age 6 to 12 years) need to sleep between 9 and 12 hours each night
• Preschoolers (age 3 to 5 years) need to sleep between 10 and 13 hours a day, including naps
• Toddlers (age 1 to 2 years) need to sleep between 11 and 14 hours a day, including naps
• Babies (age 4 to 12 months) need to sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day, including naps
• Newborns (age 0 to 3 months) need to sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day
   

Why is getting enough sleep important?

Getting enough sleep has many benefits. It can help you:

• Get sick less often
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Lower your risk for serious health problems, like diabetes and heart disease 
• Reduce stress, improve your mood, and get along better with people
• Think more clearly, form long-term memories, and do better in school and at work
• Make good decisions and avoid injuries — for example, drowsy drivers cause thousands of car accidents every year

Getting enough sleep is also important for children or teens’ healthy development. 

Does it matter when I sleep?

Yes. Your body sets your “biological clock” according to the pattern of daylight where you live. This helps you naturally get sleepy at night and stay alert during the day.

If you work at night and sleep during the day, you may have trouble getting enough sleep. It can also be hard to sleep when you travel to a different time zone.

Get sleep tips to help you:

• Improve your sleep habits, including if you work the night shift
• Deal with jet lag (trouble sleeping in a new time zone)

Why can’t I fall or stay asleep?

Many things can make it harder for you to sleep, including:

• Stress or anxiety
• Pain
• Certain health conditions, like heartburn or asthma
• Some medicines
• Caffeine (usually from coffee, tea, and soda)
• Alcohol and other drugs
• Untreated sleep disorders, like sleep apnea or insomnia

If you're having trouble sleeping, try making changes to your routine to get the sleep you need. You may want to:

• Change what you do during the day — for example, get your physical activity in the morning instead of at night
• Create a comfortable sleep environment — for example, make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet
• Set a bedtime routine — for example, go to bed at the same time every night

How can I tell if I have a sleep disorder?

Sleep disorders can cause many different problems. Keep in mind that it’s normal to have trouble sleeping every now and then — but people with sleep disorders generally experience these problems on a regular basis.

Common signs of sleep disorders include:

• Trouble falling or staying asleep, even after making healthy changes to your sleep routine
• Still feeling tired after sleeping the recommended number of hours
• Sleepiness during the day that makes it difficult to do everyday activities, like driving or concentrating at work
• Frequent loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing or gasping while you sleep
• Tingling or crawling feelings in your legs or arms at night that feel better when you move or massage the area
• Feeling like it’s hard to move when you first wake up

If you have any of these signs, talk to a doctor or nurse. You may need testing or treatment for a sleep disorder.

To learn more about sleep disorders:

• Check out this guide to healthy sleep [PDF - 451 KB]
• Read about common sleep disorders

Making small changes to your daily routine can help you get the sleep you need.

Change what you do during the day.

• Try to spend some time outdoors in the daylight — earlier in the day is best
• Plan your physical activity for earlier in the day, not right before you go to bed
• Stay away from caffeine (including coffee, tea, and soda) late in the day
• If you have trouble sleeping at night, limit daytime naps to 20 minutes or less
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation (less than 1 drink in a day for women and less than 2 drinks in a day for men) — alcohol can keep you from sleeping well
• Don’t eat a big meal close to bedtime
• If you smoke, make a plan to quit — the nicotine in cigarettes can make it harder for you to sleep

Get tips for: 

• Drinking alcohol only in moderation
• Quitting smoking

Create a good sleep environment.

• Make sure your bedroom is dark — if there are streetlights near your window, try putting up light-blocking curtains
• Keep your bedroom quiet
• Consider keeping electronic devices — like TVs, computers, and smartphones — out of your bedroom

Set a bedtime routine.

• Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, including on weekends
• Avoid eating, talking on the phone, or reading in bed
• Avoid using computers or smartphones, watching TV, or playing video games at bedtime
• If you find yourself up at night worrying about things, use these tips to help manage stress

If you’re still awake after staying in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up. Do something relaxing, like reading or meditating, until you feel sleepy.

If you're concerned about your sleep, see a doctor.

Talk with a doctor or nurse if you have any signs of a sleep disorder, such as trouble falling or staying asleep or trouble staying awake during the day. Learn about other signs of sleep disorders.

Even if you don’t have these problems, talk with a doctor if you feel like you often have trouble sleeping.

Keep a sleep diary [PDF - 53 KB] for a week and share it with your doctor. A doctor can suggest different sleep routines or medicines to treat sleep disorders. Talk with a doctor before trying over-the-counter sleep medicines.

When you're taking care of a loved one, it’s important to care for yourself, too. The emotional and physical stress of being a caregiver can cause health problems — so get the support you need to take care of your own health.

What is a caregiver?

An informal or family caregiver is someone who helps a family member, friend, or neighbor who is sick or has a disability. Caregivers often provide unpaid assistance with basic daily tasks.

You may be a caregiver if you regularly help someone with:

• Shopping for groceries and cooking
• Cleaning the house
• Bathing, toileting, dressing, and eating
• Taking and keeping track of medicine
• Keeping wounds clean or giving shots
• Providing car rides to appointments
• Managing personal services, like talking with doctors or paying bills 

About 1 in 5 adults in the United States are caregivers. Most caregivers also have other jobs, and about 1 in 4 spend more than 20 hours a week caring for a loved one.

The stress of caregiving can lead to health problems.

When you're caring for a loved one, it can be hard to take care of your own health. Caregivers are at higher risk of getting sick, like with a cold or the flu. They're also more likely to have long-term health problems — like arthritis, diabetes, or depression.

You may have caregiver stress if you:

• Feel angry or sad often
• Feel like taking care of your loved one is more than you can handle
• Feel like you don't have time to care for yourself
• Sleep too much or too little
• Notice a change in your eating habits
• Lose interest in things you used to enjoy

Find out more about caregiver stress.

The good news is that you can lower your risk for health problems and caregiver stress if you take care of yourself and get support.

Take care of your body.

Stress from caregiving can lead to problems like back pain and trouble sleeping. Taking care of yourself will give you the energy and strength to handle the demands of caregiving.

Here are some ways to take care of your body:

• Eat healthy to keep your body strong. Making healthy food choices will help protect you from heart disease, bone loss, and high blood pressure. Get tips for healthy eating.
• Get active to give you more energy. Aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like walking fast or dancing. And try to do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. Find out how to get active.
• Take steps to prevent back pain, like keeping your back straight and bending your knees when you lift something heavy. Get tips for preventing back pain.
• Make sure you get enough sleep. Most adults need 7 or more hours of sleep each night. Learn how to get enough sleep.

Take care of your mental health.

It’s important to take care of your mental health. Consider these tips:

• Find ways to manage stress. You can start by taking a few slow, deep breaths several times during the day. Get more tips for managing stress.
• Do something for yourself! Set aside time each day to do something you enjoy. Try reading, listening to music, or talking to a friend.
• Ask a neighbor or friend to visit with your loved one while you take time to rest, take a walk, or gain a fresh perspective.
• Get support from others to help you cope with the emotional stress of caregiving.

It can also help to hear from other people who are caring for a loved one — their experiences may be similar to yours. Check out these stories from other caregivers.

Ask for help.

You don’t need to do it all yourself. Ask family members, friends, and neighbors to share caregiving tasks.

There are also professional and volunteer services that can help. For example, you can: 

• Check out these community-based services for older adults and caregivers — like transportation, meals, and caregiver support programs
• Find respite services near you that can give you a break from caregiving
• Learn about services and support groups for caregivers of Veterans

If you're taking care of someone with Alzheimer's disease:

• Find resources for Alzheimer's caregivers
• Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900

It's also a good idea to learn about preparing for future health care needs.

And if you're feeling overwhelmed, talk with your doctor about depression.

Talk to your child about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Knowing the facts will help your child make healthy choices.

What do I need to say?

When you talk to your child about tobacco, alcohol, and drugs:

• Find out what they already know
• Teach them the facts
• Be prepared to answer your child’s questions
• Give them clear rules
• Talk with them about how to say “no"

When should I start talking with my child?

Start early. By preschool, most children have seen adults smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol, either in real life, on TV, or online.

Make sure your child knows right from the start that you think it’s important to stay safe and avoid drugs.

Here are more reasons to start the conversation early:

• Almost 9 out of 10 people who smoke start smoking before they turn 18
• By the time they're in 8th grade, about 4 in 10 kids say alcohol is easy to get
• At age 12, some kids are already using drugs like marijuana or prescription pain relievers

What if my child is older?

It’s never too late to start the conversation about avoiding drugs. Even if your teen may have tried tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, you can still talk about making healthy choices and how to say “no” next time.

Get more tips to help your teen stay away from drugs.

What do I need to know about prescriptions and other medicines?

When you talk to your child about the dangers of drugs, don’t forget about drugs that may already be in your home, like prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

Prescription or OTC drug misuse is when a person uses a drug to get high, or use them differently than they’re supposed to. People might misuse drugs by:

• Taking too much of a prescription or OTC drug
• Taking a prescription drug prescribed to someone else

When you don’t take them safely, prescription and OTC medicines can be just as addictive and dangerous as other drugs.

Commonly misused prescription or OTC drugs include:

• Opioid pain medicines, like Vicodin, OxyContin, or codeine
• Medicines for anxiety or sleep problems, like Valium or Xanax
• Medicines that treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), like Adderall or Ritalin

Make sure to talk to your child about the dangers of prescription drug misuse. Get tips for talking about drug misuse with your child.

Set a good example:

• Never take someone else’s prescription medicine or give yours to anyone else
• Keep track of the medicines in your home, and store them in a locked cabinet
• Get rid of unused medicines safely

Why do I need to talk to my child?

Research shows that kids do listen to their parents. Children who learn about drug risks from their parents are less likely to start using drugs.

When kids choose not to use alcohol or drugs, they're also less likely to:

• Have serious trouble in school
• Get hurt in a car accident
• Be a victim of crime
• Have a problem with addiction as an adult

If you don't talk about it, your child may think it’s okay to use alcohol and other drugs.

Talk with your child about tobacco, alcohol, and drugs today — and keep the conversation going.

Talk with your child early and often.

Start conversations about your values and expectations while your child is young. Your child will get used to sharing information and opinions with you. This will make it easier for you to continue talking as they get older.

Here are some tips for talking with your child about tobacco, alcohol, and drugs:

• Use everyday events to start a conversation. For example, if you see a group of kids smoking, talk about how tobacco harms the body.
• Give your child your full attention. Turn off your TV, radio, cell phone, and computer — and really listen.
• Try not to “talk at” your child. Encourage your child to ask questions. If you don’t know the answer to a question, look it up together.
• Find age-appropriate ways to talk to your child about drugs. 
• Get more tips on how to have a conversation with your child.

Teach your child the facts.

Your child needs to know how drugs can harm the brain, affect the body, and cause problems at home and in school. Kids who know the facts are more likely to make good choices. Here are some facts you can share with your child:

• If your child likes sports, focus on how smoking can affect athletic performance. You can also tell them how it affects their appearance, like causing bad breath and yellow teeth. Get the facts on tobacco.
• Remind your child that alcohol is a powerful drug that slows down the body and brain. Get the facts on alcohol.
• Tell your child how other drugs — like steroids, marijuana, and prescription medicines — affect the brain and body. Get the facts on other drugs.
   

Take this quiz about drug facts with your child.

Set clear rules for your child.

Not wanting to upset their parents is the number one reason kids give for not using drugs. Your child will be less tempted to use tobacco, alcohol, and drugs if you explain your rules clearly.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you talk to your child:

• Explain that you set rules to keep your child safe
• Tell your child you expect them not to use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs
• Let your child know what will happen if they break the rules — and follow through if they do
• Praise your child for good behavior

Help your child learn how to say “no.”

Kids say they use alcohol and other drugs to fit in with other kids. That’s why it’s important for parents to help children build the confidence to make a healthy choice when someone offers tobacco, drugs, or alcohol. Find tips for preventing drug use at every age. 

And check out these strategies to help you talk with your kids about staying healthy and drug free.

Set a good example.

Here are a few steps you can take to set a good example for your child:

• If you smoke, make a plan to quit
• If you drink alcohol, don’t drink too much or too often
• If you misuse drugs, talk with your doctor about getting treatment
• Use prescription and OTC medicines safely
• Never drink or use drugs and drive

What if I’ve used drugs in the past?

Be honest with your child, but don’t give a lot of details. Do your best to make it a 2-way conversation — ask your child what they’re thinking and if they have any questions for you. Talk to your pediatrician if you’d like more tips for telling your child about your past drug use.

Get help if you need it.

If you think your child may be using drugs or alcohol, get help. Don’t wait. Getting treatment early can make a difference. Follow these steps if you think your child is using drugs or alcohol.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover alcohol, tobacco, and drug use assessments for teens. Depending on your insurance plan, your child may be able to get an assessment at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

If you don't have insurance, your child may still be able to get free or low-cost assessments. Find a health center near you and ask about assessments for your child.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act 
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you 
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF – 1.9 MB]

Diabetes is a leading cause of disability and death in the United States. Diabetes also increases the risk of serious health problems like:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Blindness
• Nerve damage, which can lead to amputation (removal by surgery) of a toe, foot, or leg
• Kidney failure

The good news is that you can do a lot to prevent or delay getting type 2 diabetes, including:

• Reaching and staying at a healthy weight
• Staying active
• Eating healthy
• Quitting smoking

What is diabetes?

Having diabetes means the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood are too high. Your body depends on glucose for energy. When you eat, most of the food turns into glucose. Your blood carries the glucose to other parts of your body.

When you have diabetes, your body has trouble turning glucose into energy. Instead of being used by your body, glucose builds up in your blood. Over time, high blood glucose can damage almost every part of your body.

Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) condition.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. You're more likely to get type 2 diabetes if you have overweight or obesity, don't get enough physical activity, or have prediabetes.

Having prediabetes means your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for you to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 

What other types of diabetes are there?

• Type 1 diabetes seems to be caused by a problem with the immune system (the system in your body that fights infection). Right now, there’s no way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that some women develop during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of health problems for you and your baby. For example, gestational diabetes can make it more likely that you or your baby will develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Learn more about gestational diabetes.

Am I at risk for type 2 diabetes?

Many things can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes. For example, you may be at risk if you:

• Have prediabetes
• Are older than 45 years
• Have overweight or obesity
• Have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
• Are African American, Alaska Native, Native American, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander
• Have high blood pressure or high LDL ("bad") cholesterol
• Are physically active less than 3 times a week

You're also at higher risk for type 2 diabetes if you:

• Have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
• Have given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
• Have polycystic ovary syndrome (a health condition where the ovaries make more male hormones than normal)

Learn more about the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

What is prediabetes?

If you have prediabetes, the glucose levels in your blood are higher than normal — but not high enough to mean you have type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems, like heart disease and stroke.

The good news about prediabetes is that healthy life changes, like losing weight and getting enough physical activity, can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Find out more about prediabetes.

What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop over several years. Many people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms for a long time without noticing them. Some people may never notice any symptoms.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

• Being very thirsty or hungry
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Urinating (peeing) more than usual
• Losing weight without trying
• Having cuts or bruises that are slow to heal
• Having blurry vision
• Feeling numb or tingly in your hands or feet

Because symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be hard to spot, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your risk for type 2 diabetes. If you have risk factors or notice any symptoms, ask your doctor about getting tested.

Learn more about diabetes symptoms.

Talk to your doctor about your risk for type 2 diabetes.

Take this test to find out if you could have prediabetes, which makes it more likely that you'll develop type 2 diabetes. Print out the results and take them to your next checkup.

• Ask your doctor or nurse how to prevent type 2 diabetes.
• Ask about diabetes prevention programs near you or online.
• If you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant, talk to your doctor or midwife about gestational diabetes.

Find out if you need to get tested for diabetes.

If you're at risk for type 2 diabetes, ask your doctor about getting tested. People ages 35 to 70 years who have overweight need to get tested for diabetes. Your doctor can tell you how often to get tested.

Your doctor may also recommend that you get tested if you're younger than 35 years and at risk for other reasons, like having high blood pressure or having a family member with type 2 diabetes.

Keep in mind that the test for diabetes can also show if you have prediabetes. Learn more about getting tested for diabetes and prediabetes.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover:

• Diabetes screening for adults ages 35 to 70 years who have overweight or obesity
• Diet counseling for adults at higher risk for chronic disease

Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more. 

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost diabetes screening. Find a health center near you and ask about getting tested for diabetes.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB] 

Eat healthy.

Eating healthy can help you control your weight — and help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. If you have any type of diabetes, eating healthy can also help manage your condition. Learn more about healthy eating.

Choose foods that are low in saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium (salt). Try these healthy recipes.

If you need help eating healthy, your doctor may also refer you to a registered dietitian. A registered dietitian is a health professional who helps people with healthy eating.

Get active.

Getting active can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. It can also help you manage any type of diabetes. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like walking fast or biking.

• Learn more about how to get active.
• Build a weekly physical activity plan.
• Try this simple walking program.

If you have a health condition or disability, try these tips for staying active. Your doctor can help you choose the best activities for you.

Aim for a healthy weight.

If you have overweight or obesity, losing weight can help lower your risk for type 2 diabetes. Eating healthy and getting active are great ways to help you lose weight.

Try following these tips:

• Set small, realistic goals — like walking for 10 minutes each day
• Keep a food and activity diary — write down what and how much you eat each day, as well as how many minutes of physical activity you get
• Eat smaller portions — and choose water instead of sugar-sweetened drinks

Learn more about reaching a healthy weight. You can also create your own weight loss game plan to help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. 

• Starting at age 18 years, get your blood pressure checked every 3 to 5 years. If you're older than 40 years or if you're at increased risk for high blood pressure, get your blood pressure checked once a year. You can also buy a blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure at home. Learn more about getting your blood pressure checked.
• It’s important to get your cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. Some people will need to get it checked more or less often. If your cholesterol is high, talk with your doctor about steps you can take to lower it. Learn more about getting your cholesterol checked.

If you smoke, take steps to quit.

Quitting smoking is hard, but millions of people have done it successfully. In fact, more than half of Americans who ever smoked have quit. You could be one of them!

Take these steps to help you quit:

• Make a list of the reasons you want to quit
• Set a quit date and make a plan to deal with cravings (urges to smoke)
• Talk to your doctor about counseling and medicines that can help you quit
• Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit Smokefree.gov for free help
• Download a free app for 24/7 support and encouragement

Get more tips to help you quit smoking.

It can be hard to know if your relationship is becoming unhealthy or unsafe. But there are things you can do to spot the warning signs of relationship violence and get help.

If you think your partner might be controlling or abusive, it's important to:

• Trust your feelings — if something doesn’t seem right, take it seriously
• Learn the warning signs of someone who might become controlling or violent
• Get help — call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224) to find resources in your area

If your partner is controlling or abusive, it’s better to get help right away. Controlling or violent relationships may get worse over time.

Remember: If your partner abuses you, it’s not your fault.

What is relationship violence?

Relationship violence is when 1 or both people in a relationship — or in a past relationship — are abusive, controlling, or aggressive toward the other person. Relationship violence can happen in a serious or casual relationship, and it can take place in person or online. Sometimes, both partners act in abusive or controlling ways. Anyone, no matter their gender, age, or sexual identity, can experience relationship violence.

Relationship violence is also called domestic abuse, dating violence, domestic violence, or intimate partner violence. It can include:

• Physical violence — like pushing, hitting, or throwing things
• Sexual violence — like forcing or trying to force someone to do something sexual
• Threats of physical or sexual violence — including threatening to hurt another person or a pet
• Emotional abuse — like embarrassing a partner, keeping them away from family and friends, or speaking or yelling in a way that frightens them or puts them down 
• Financial abuse — like taking a partner’s money, controlling how they spend money, or not giving them money for necessary expenses
• Stalking — like watching or following a partner, or repeatedly calling or texting even when you don’t respond

A lot of the time, abuse in a relationship doesn’t start right away — or it gets worse over time. That’s why it’s important to look for warning signs. Get help if your partner is making you feel controlled or afraid — even if they haven’t hurt you physically. There are  resources available to help you figure out if your relationship is unhealthy — and what to do next.

• Learn more about how to recognize relationship violence or abuse
• Read about abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships

How do I know if my relationship is healthy?

In healthy relationships, both partners take responsibility for their actions and work together to sort out problems. In a healthy relationship, both people:

• Feel respected, supported, and valued
• Make decisions
• Have friends and interests outside of the relationship
• Settle disagreements with open and honest communication
• Respect each other's privacy and space

How do I know if my relationship might become violent?

Relationship violence can start slowly and be hard to recognize. For example, when people first start dating, it’s common to want to spend a lot of time together. But your partner asking you to spend less time with other people can also be a sign that your partner is trying to control your time.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Does my partner disrespect or insult me?
• Does my partner blame me for problems that aren’t my fault, like how they treat me?
• Does my partner make most of the decisions in our relationship?
• Am I ever afraid to tell my partner something?
• Do I ever feel forced to do things that I don't want to do?
• Has my partner ever forced or pressured me to do something sexual with them when I didn’t want to?
• Does my partner promise to change and then keep doing the same hurtful things?

Get more information about the signs of abusive relationships.

What if I’m not sure if my relationship is violent?

It’s okay if you’re not sure — you can still get help.

If you have questions about whether your relationship is safe, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224) or chat online with a person who's trained to help. The hotline and chat are free and available 24/7. You don’t even have to give your name.

If you’re in danger right now, call 911.

How can relationship violence affect health?

Any kind of relationship violence or abuse can lead to other serious health problems. These include:

• Injuries or chronic (long-lasting) pain
• Sexual health problems — like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy complications
• Trouble sleeping
• Mental health problems — like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (a type of anxiety disorder you can get after experiencing something traumatic or harmful)
• Trouble trusting people and building relationships
• Drinking too much alcohol or using drugs

Relationship violence can cause other problems too — like causing a person to miss work or school, or putting children in a dangerous situation.

Relationship violence is never your fault. But if you think your partner is controlling or abusive, there are things you can do to get help.

Make a plan.

If you're in a relationship with someone who is violent or might become violent, make a safety plan. A safety plan is a set of steps you can take to keep yourself and others (like children or pets) safe if your partner becomes violent. It’s important to have a safety plan whether you’re planning to leave your partner or not. 

• Learn more about safety plans
• Use this tool to make a safety plan.

Protect yourself online.

When you look at information online using a computer, your phone, or a tablet, your device keeps a record of sites you’ve visited. And when you make calls or send text messages from a smartphone, the phone stores that information.

When you use social media, avoid posting personal information, like where you live or work or your current location. Only post information you’re comfortable with other people knowing. And keep in mind that even if your accounts are private, people that follow you can still share information that you post with others.

Follow these technology and social media safety tips if your partner is controlling or abusive.

If you think your relationship is unhealthy — or you're worried about your safety — get help now.

Who can I call?

If you need help or have questions about your relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233). You'll be able to find a domestic violence agency near you or talk to a counselor over the phone. If you’re in danger right now, call 911.

Read about what to expect if you contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

What kind of help can I get?

Domestic violence agencies can provide:

• Emotional support
• Safety planning
• A safe place to stay in an emergency
• Support finding a job
• Legal help
• Help with housing or money

Can I get help for free?

Yes. Domestic violence agencies offer free services, like hotlines and counseling. They also help people find resources, like housing or lawyers.

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover screening and counseling for domestic and interpersonal violence for all women. If you're a woman, you may be able to get screening and counseling at no cost to you through your insurance plan. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost help. Find a health center near you and ask about domestic violence services.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for women covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

What if I’m not ready to ask for help or leave my partner?

There are many reasons why it can be hard to ask for help or leave an abusive partner. For example, you might be sharing children or a home with them, you might be afraid of what they’ll do if they find out, or you might not want to get them in trouble.

That’s why it’s so important to get support. Remember, if your partner makes you feel unsafe, there are resources to help you — whenever you’re ready. 

What if I think someone else is in a controlling or violent relationship?

You can:

• Use these tips to help someone in an unhealthy relationship
• Read more about how to support someone, including how to start a conversation about their relationship

If you have children, you can help them learn how to have respectful, safe relationships with friends, family, and dating partners. Understanding what a healthy relationship looks like can help protect kids from future relationship violence. 

Use these resources to start a conversation about healthy relationships:

• Get tips for talking to teens about healthy relationships
• Learn how to talk to your kids about sex and healthy relationships
• Check out these guides on healthy relationships for LGBTQ+ teens and their parents
• Find out more about parenting teens

Birth control (also called contraception) can help you prevent pregnancy when you don’t want to have a baby. Condoms are a type of birth control that can also help protect you and your sex partner from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

How do I choose the right birth control?

There isn’t 1 method of birth control that’s right for everyone. Each type of birth control has pros and cons.

Here are some things to think about when choosing a birth control method:

• Do you want to have children someday? How soon?
• Do you have any health conditions?
• How often do you have sex?
• Do you also need protection from HIV and other STIs?
• How well does the birth control method work?
• Are there any side effects?
• Will you be able to use it correctly every time?

You may also want to think about:

• How much a birth control method costs — and if your insurance will cover it
• Whether you need to see a doctor or go to a pharmacy to get the birth control — and how often you’ll have to go

How does birth control work?

It depends on the type of birth control you choose. Different methods of birth control work in different ways. And some methods are better at preventing pregnancy than others. 

Learn more about the effectiveness of different birth control methods.

IUDs (intrauterine devices)

An IUD is a small, T-shaped piece of plastic with copper or a hormone that a doctor places inside the uterus.

There are 2 kinds:

• Copper IUDs release a small amount of copper to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. They can last for up to 10 years.
• Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of a hormone called levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy. There are 4 different types of hormonal IUDs. Hormonal IUDs last from 3 to 8 years, depending on the type.

IUDs are very effective at preventing pregnancy. You don't feel the IUD when it’s in place — and there's nothing to do or remember once it's there.

IUDs don't protect you or your sex partner from STIs. But you can use a condom with your IUD to help protect against STIs.

If you have an IUD and you want to get pregnant, a doctor can easily remove it. Read more about IUDs.

Hormonal methods

Most hormonal methods of birth control work by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. They also cause other changes that make it less likely that you'll get pregnant.

In addition to hormonal IUDs, hormonal methods include:

• Implant (a small rod put under the skin) — can last up to 3 years
• Shot — given by a doctor or nurse every 3 months
• Patch — worn on the skin and replaced once a week, with 1 week off every month
• Ring — put in the vagina and replaced once a month
• Birth control pills — taken every day

These methods don't protect you or your sex partner from STIs. But you can use condoms to help protect against STIs while using hormonal birth control. 

Keep in mind that some hormonal methods take more effort to use, and this can make it harder to use them correctly. For example, you have to remember to take birth control pills every day — but once an implant is in place, it lasts for up to 3 years.

If you're interested in a hormonal method of birth control, talk with your doctor or nurse about which kind is best for you. Read more about hormonal birth control options.

Barrier methods

Barrier methods work by preventing the sperm from getting to the egg. Common barrier methods include:

• External (male) condoms (worn on the penis)
• Internal (female) condoms (placed inside the vagina)
• Birth control diaphragm (placed inside the vagina)
• Birth control cervical cap (placed inside the vagina)
• Birth control sponge (placed inside the vagina)
• Spermicide (a gel that stops sperm from reaching the egg), which can be used alone or with an external condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap

External condoms are also very effective at preventing HIV and reducing the risk of other STIs when you use them correctly every time you have sex. Get tips on how to use a condom correctly.

Internal condoms may help prevent HIV and other STIs. Diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges don't protect against STIs.

Read more about barrier methods.

Fertility awareness-based methods

Using fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) is sometimes called natural family planning. With FABMs, you learn which days pregnancy is more likely to happen. If you want to prevent pregnancy, you don’t have sex on those days — or you use another method of birth control.

FABMs work best if you have regular periods. It's important to know that FABMs are not usually as effective at preventing pregnancy as other forms of birth control, like IUDs or hormonal methods.

You can also use FABMs when you’re trying to get pregnant. Read more about fertility awareness-based methods.

Emergency contraception

Sometimes you may forget to use birth control — for example, you could miss a pill or shot. And sometimes birth control methods can fail, like if a condom breaks.

There are 2 options for emergency contraception:

• Copper IUD — A doctor will need to place the IUD inside your uterus within 5 days of unprotected sex.
• Emergency contraception pills (ECPs — sometimes called the morning-after pill) — You'll need to take ECPs as soon as possible within 5 days of unprotected sex. The sooner you take them, the more effective they are. You can buy some ECPs at a drugstore without a prescription. To get other ECPs, you need a prescription from a doctor.

Taking ECPs won’t harm a pregnancy if you're already pregnant. ECPs won't protect you from STIs, so consider getting tested for STIs if you didn't use a condom — or if the condom broke.

Read more about emergency contraception pills.

Permanent birth control (sterilization)

Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control. This is an option for people who are completely sure they don’t ever want to get pregnant or cause a pregnancy. There are different types of permanent birth control procedures:

• Vasectomy: This means cutting or blocking the tubes that carry sperm to the outside of the penis.
• Tubal ligation: This means cutting or blocking the tubes that carry eggs into the uterus. 

Read more about permanent birth control (sterilization).

What types of birth control help prevent STIs?

Abstinence (not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex) is the only sure way to prevent STIs. Using an external condom correctly every time you have sex is a very effective way to prevent many STIs, including HIV. Female condoms may also lower the risk of some STIs.

Birth control pills, IUDs, and other hormonal methods don’t prevent STIs. If you choose one of these types of birth control, it won't protect you or your sex partner from HIV and other STIs — so you may also want to use condoms for protection.

Do I need to see a doctor to get birth control?

It depends on which birth control method you choose. You can buy some birth control methods at a store without a prescription. For other methods, you'll need to see a doctor.

Birth control methods you can get without a prescription include:

• Condoms
• Some ECPs
• Birth control sponge

Birth control methods you can get only from a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist include:

• Birth control pills
• Patch
• Diaphragm and cervical cap
• Shot
• Ring 

You need a medical procedure for:

• Permanent birth control
• IUD
• Implant 

Check out these resources to learn more about the different types of birth control:

• Birth Control
• Contraception

Follow these steps to choose the right birth control for you.

Talk to a nurse, doctor, or family planning educator.

Ask about the types of birth control that are available to you. There are many things to consider, including:

• Your overall health
• Whether you want to have children in the future
• How well the birth control works
• What side effects the birth control may cause

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans must cover birth control at no cost to you. Most plans must also cover birth control education and counseling. Check with your insurance company to learn more.

Medicaid also covers the cost of birth control. If you have Medicaid, check with your state’s Medicaid program to learn more.

To learn more, check out these resources about:

• Birth control benefits under the Affordable Care Act
• Preventive care for women covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Find free or low-cost services near you.

If you don’t have insurance that covers birth control, you may be able to get free or low-cost birth control through a family planning clinic or community health center.

Family planning clinics provide education, counseling, and medical services. No one is turned away for not being able to pay.

Use these resources to find a clinic near you: 

• Find a local health center
• Find a family planning clinic

Talk to your sex partner.

It's a good idea to have a conversation with your partner to make sure that both of you are comfortable with the birth control method you choose. Be sure to talk about getting tested for STIs and how you can stay safe.

Make sure you understand the instructions.

Be sure you understand what you need to do to prevent an unplanned pregnancy or protect yourself from STIs. And check that your partner understands, too — when you both know how a birth control method works, it’s easier to use it correctly. If you have questions, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

Have a backup plan.

It's important to know what to do if you forget to use birth control or if your birth control method fails. For example, you may want to buy ECPs in advance. That way, you'll have them if you need them.

Get tested for STIs.

Most people who have an STI don’t have any symptoms. Getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have one.

Have an honest conversation with your doctor or nurse about your sexual activity and ask if you need to get tested for STIs.

To find a place to get tested:

• Enter your ZIP code to find an STI clinic
• Call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

It's also important to talk with your partner about getting tested. Use these tips to start the conversation.

Get tested for HIV.

Remember, getting tested for HIV is the only way to know for sure if you have it.

You can get tested at a doctor’s office or health center. To find an HIV testing center:

• Use this testing center locator
• Call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

Learn more about HIV testing. You can also take this list of questions about HIV testing with you to your next doctor's appointment.

Eating healthy means following a healthy eating pattern that includes a variety of nutritious foods and drinks. It also means getting the number of calories that’s right for you (not eating too much or too little).

Choose a mix of healthy foods.

There are lots of healthy choices in each food group! Choose a variety of foods you enjoy, including:

• Whole fruits — like apples, berries, oranges, mango, and bananas
• Veggies — like broccoli, sweet potatoes, beets, okra, spinach, peppers, and jicama
• Whole grains — like brown rice, millet, oatmeal, bulgur, and whole-wheat bread
• Proteins — like lean meats and chicken, eggs, seafood, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and tofu
• Low-fat or fat-free dairy — like milk, yogurt, cheese, lactose-free dairy, and fortified soy beverages (soy milk) or soy yogurt
• Oils — like vegetable oil, olive oil, and oils in foods like seafood, avocado, and nuts

Limit certain nutrients and ingredients.

Sodium (salt)

Sodium is found in table salt — but most of the sodium we eat comes from packaged food or food that's prepared in restaurants. Learn how to cut down on sodium [PDF - 881 KB].

Added sugars

Added sugars include syrups and sweeteners that manufacturers add to products like sodas, yogurt, and cereals — as well as things you add, like sugar in your coffee. Learn how to cut down on added sugars [PDF - 898 KB].

Saturated fat

Saturated fat comes from animal products like cheese, fatty meats and poultry, whole milk, butter, and many sweets and snack foods. Some plant products like palm and coconut oils also have saturated fat. Learn how to cut down on saturated fat [PDF - 1.1 MB].

Get a personalized MyPlate Plan to help you choose healthy foods.

What about alcohol?

Alcohol includes beer, wine, and liquor. If you choose to drink, drink in moderation — 1 drink or less in a day for women and 2 drinks or less in a day for men. And remember that drinking less is always better for your health than drinking more.

A healthy eating routine can help keep you healthy.

Eating healthy is good for your overall health — and there are many ways to do it. Learn how to build a healthy eating routine [PDF – 1.6 MB].

Making smart food choices can also help you manage your weight and lower your risk for certain chronic (long-term) diseases.

When you eat healthy, you can reduce your risk for:

• Overweight and obesity
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Some types of cancer

Learn more about why eating healthy is important.

Making small changes to your eating habits can make a big difference for your health over time. 

Make healthy swaps.

Try making 1 or 2 small changes this week. For example:

• Drink sparkling water instead of regular soda
• Try plain, low-fat yogurt with fruit instead of full-fat yogurt with added sugars
• Choose low-sodium black beans instead of regular canned black beans
• Cook with olive oil instead of butter

Shop smart at the grocery store.

The next time you go food shopping:

• Make a shopping list ahead of time — only buy what's on your list
• Don't shop while you're hungry — eat something before you go to the store

Use these tips to make healthy choices:

• Try a variety of vegetables and fruits in different colors
• Choose fat-free or low-fat dairy — or soy milk and soy yogurt with added calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D
• Replace old favorites with options that are lower in calories, sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat
• Choose foods with whole grains — like 100% whole-wheat or whole-grain bread, cereal, and pasta
• Buy lean cuts of meat and poultry and eat a variety of foods with protein — like fish, shellfish, beans, and nuts
• Save money by getting fruits and vegetables in season or on sale

Get more tips for finding healthy, budget-friendly options at the store.

Read the Nutrition Facts label.

Understanding the Nutrition Facts label on food packages can help you make healthy choices.

First, look at the serving size and the number of servings per package — there may be more than 1 serving!

Then check out the calories. Calories tell you how much energy is in 1 serving of a food.

To stay at a healthy weight, you need to balance the calories you eat and drink with the calories you use. Use this tool to find out how many calories you need each day.

Next, look at the percent Daily Value (% DV) column. The DV shows you if a food is higher or lower in certain nutrients. Look for foods that are:

• Low in added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat (5% DV or less)
• High in fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamin D (20% DV or more)

You can also use the DV to compare the amount of calories and nutrients in different foods. Just be sure to check and see if the serving size is the same.

The picture below shows an example of a Nutrition Facts label.

 

To learn more about the Nutrition Facts label, check out:

• How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label
• Interactive Nutrition Facts Label

Be a healthy family.

Parents and caregivers are important role models for healthy eating. You can teach kids how to choose and prepare healthy snacks and meals.

• Use this list to make healthy choices at the grocery store — take your child with you to the store and explain the choices you make
• Turn cooking into a fun activity for the whole family — try out these kid-friendly recipes together
• Check out these quick tips for making healthy snacks
• Get more healthy eating tips for your family

If you have a family member who has a hard time eating healthy, use these tips to start a conversation about how you can help.

Eat healthy away from home.

You can make smart food choices wherever you are — at work, in your favorite restaurant, or out running errands. Try these tips for eating healthy even when you're away from home:

• Pack healthy snacks like fruit, unsalted nuts, or low-fat string cheese sticks
• Look for calorie information on restaurant menus
• Choose dishes that are steamed, baked, or grilled instead of fried
• Ask to have no salt added to your meal

Get more tips for eating healthy when dining out and getting takeout.

If you're worried about your eating habits, talk to a doctor.

If you need help making healthier food choices, ask your doctor for help. Your doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian. A registered dietitian is a health professional who helps people with healthy eating.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover diet counseling for people with risk factors for heart disease, like high blood pressure. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get diet counseling at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover diet counseling at no cost. Use this tool to see what Medicare covers.

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost help. Find a health center near you and ask about diet counseling. 

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for adults covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Manage your high blood pressure or diabetes.

If you or a loved one has high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or heart disease, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian about how to stay healthy. If you need to follow a special diet, check out these websites:

• DASH Eating Plan
• Healthy Eating
• MyPlate Kitchen

If you were assigned female at birth, getting a well-woman visit every year is an important way to help you stay healthy. These appointments are called well-woman visits because they’re not related to illness or injury, and they’re usually done by an obstetrician or gynecologist (often called Ob/Gyn), midwife, nurse practitioner, or another health care professional who has special training in providing care for women. 

Well-woman visits focus on preventive care, which may include: 

• A physical exam 
• Services, like vaccines (shots), that improve your health by preventing diseases and other health problems
• Screening tests, which are medical tests to check for diseases early when they may be easier to treat
• Education and counseling to help you make informed health decisions

What happens during a well-woman visit?

Your well-woman visit is a chance to focus on your overall health and wellness. There are 3 main goals for the visit:

• Documenting your health habits and history
• Getting a physical exam
• Setting health goals

Health habits and history

Before your physical exam, the doctor or nurse will ask you to answer some questions about your overall health. These questions may cover topics like your:

• Medical history and family health history
• Mental health history, like if you have or had depression
• Sexual activity and sexual partners
• Eating and physical activity habits
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
• Use of any medicines, vitamins, minerals, or herbs
• Home life and relationships

Physical exam

If you're comfortable with it, the doctor or nurse will examine your body, which may include:

• Measuring your height and weight
• Calculating your body mass index (BMI) to see if you're at a healthy weight
• Checking your blood pressure
• Taking your temperature
• Doing a clinical breast exam (feeling your breasts and under your arms for lumps or other changes)
• Doing a pelvic exam (looking at and inside your vagina and feeling around your pelvis)

If you’re not comfortable being alone with the doctor or nurse during the physical exam, ask to have another health professional from the practice (like another nurse) in the room, too.

Learn more about what to expect during a pelvic exam.

Health goals

You and the doctor or nurse will talk about next steps for helping you stay healthy. Together, you can decide which screenings or follow-up services are right for you.

If you have health goals, like losing weight or quitting smoking, you and your doctor or nurse can also make a plan to help you meet these goals.

Take these steps to get the most out of your well-woman visit.

Know your family health history.

Your family's health history is an important part of your personal health record. Use this family health history tool to keep track of conditions that run in your family.

Be prepared to tell your doctor or nurse this information during your well-woman visit. Don't forget to share any new health problems in your family since your last visit.

Make a list of questions for your doctor.

This visit is a great time to ask the doctor or nurse any questions about:

• Birth control options
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Preparing to get pregnant
• Menopause
• Signs of an unhealthy relationship
• Anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues
• Eating healthy or being more active

Some important questions include:

• Do I need any important vaccines?
• How can I protect myself from HIV and other STIs?
• Which form of birth control is right for me?
• How do I know if my relationship is healthy and safe?
• Where can I get help for a mental health issue?
• What changes can I make to eat healthier?
• How can I be more physically active?

Take a notepad or smartphone and write down the answers so you remember them later.

To learn more about these topics, check out these resources:

• Choose the Right Birth Control
• Eat Healthy
• Get Active
• Get Vaccines to Protect Your Health
• Have a Healthy Pregnancy

Talk with your doctor or nurse about which screenings you need.

Getting screening tests is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Learn more about getting screened.

At your well-woman visit, the doctor or nurse may recommend screening you for:

• Certain types of cancer, like breast cancer or cervical cancer
• HPV (human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical cancer)
• HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis (weak bones)

In addition to screenings, the doctor may sometimes recommend counseling for:

• Depression
• Relationship violence

Get information about different screening tests, like mammograms to check for breast cancer. You can also use the MyHealthfinder tool to find out which screening tests you may need.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover at least 1 well-woman visit a year at no cost to you. Plans must also cover some screenings and types of counseling. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover some screenings and treatments for women. Use this tool to see what Medicare covers.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get a free or low-cost well-woman visit. Find a health center near you and ask about scheduling an exam.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for women covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF – 1.9 MB]

Follow up with the doctor or nurse after your visit.

During your well-woman visit, the doctor or nurse may recommend that you see a specialist or get certain screenings. Try to schedule these follow-up appointments before you leave the doctor’s office.

If that’s not possible, make a note on your calendar to schedule your follow-up appointments. You can ask the doctor's office to write down the phone number and address for you.

Get more tips on playing an active role in your health care.

Take steps to stay healthy all year.

There are things you can do every day to stay healthy. Find tips on:

• Getting more physical activity
• Eating healthy
• Managing stress
• Quitting smoking
• Getting to a healthy weight
• Getting enough sleep

Compared to women, men are more likely to:

• Smoke
• Drink too much alcohol
• Make unhealthy or risky choices
• Put off regular checkups and medical care

The good news is that you can start taking steps to improve your health today!

How can I take charge of my health?

See a doctor for regular checkups even if you feel healthy. That's important because some diseases and health conditions don’t have symptoms at first. Plus, seeing a doctor will give you a chance to learn more about your health.

Here are some other things you can do to take care of your health:

• Eat healthy and get active
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
• Quit smoking
• Know your family’s health history
• Get screenings (tests )to check for health problems before you have symptoms
• Make sure you’re up to date on your vaccines (shots)

Use these tips to take charge of your health.

Eat healthy and get active.

Remember, it’s never too late to start healthier habits. A healthy eating routine and regular physical activity can help control your:

• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• Cholesterol
• Weight

By keeping these numbers in a healthy range, you can lower your risk of serious health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Find out how you can:

• Eat healthy
• Get active

In addition:

• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
• If you smoke, make a plan to quit

Make small changes every day.

Small changes can add up to big results — like lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease. Here are some examples of small changes you can make:

• Take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator
• Try a salad or mixed vegetables as a side instead of fries
• Drink water or unsweetened iced tea instead of soda or other sugary drinks

Get more ideas for small changes you can make to stay healthy.

Know your family history.

Be sure to talk to family members to find out which diseases run in your family.

Use this family health history tool to keep track of health problems that run in your family. Then share this information with your doctor.

Talk to your friends.

Try asking friends what they like to do to stay healthy. You could even try getting active with friends, like by taking a hike or playing pickup basketball.

Get preventive care to stay healthy.

Many people think of the doctor as someone to see when they’re sick. But doctors also provide services — like screenings and vaccines — that help keep you from getting sick in the first place.

Get screenings to find problems early.

Screenings are medical tests that doctors use to check for diseases and health conditions before there are any signs or symptoms. Screenings help find problems early, when they may be easier to treat.

Depending on your age and medical history, you may need to get screened for things like:

• Certain types of cancer
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Diabetes
• STIs (sexually transmitted infections), also called STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
• Mental health conditions, like depression

Learn more about getting screened.

Stay up to date on your vaccines.

Everyone needs vaccines to stay healthy. Ask your doctor or nurse which vaccines you need to stay healthy — then make sure you stay up to date. For example, everyone age 6 months and older needs a seasonal flu vaccine every year.

Find out which vaccines you may need if you’re:

• Ages 19 to 49 years
• Age 50 years or older

Use the MyHealthfinder tool to get personalized recommendations for screening tests and vaccines.

You have the right to get the care you need to be as healthy as possible — your race or ethnicity, sexual identity, or other factors should not affect this. But sometimes bias in the health care system can affect the types of treatment and care people get.

Follow these tips to help make sure you get the right care:

• Ask as many questions as you need to during your appointment — and ask the doctor or nurse to repeat information if you missed something. Consider writing down your 2 to 3 most important questions before your appointment and asking those first. 
• If you’re not comfortable speaking with the doctor or nurse in English, ask for translation services.
• Keep in mind that you can ask another doctor for a second opinion if you’re not sure about the care you’re getting. You may need to check with your insurance company to see if your plan will cover a visit to another doctor.
• Ask a friend or family member to come with you to appointments — they can offer support, take notes, or help you ask questions.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover many preventive services. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get services like screenings and vaccines at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare also covers certain health services at no cost. Use this tool to see what Medicare covers.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost health services. To learn more, find a health center near you.

You can also check out these resources:

• Free preventive care covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Talking honestly and openly with your kids about sex and relationships is important — and it's never too early to start. Your support can help them make healthy choices and avoid risks as they grow up.

It may be hard to know where to start, especially if your parents didn’t talk to you about relationships and sex when you were growing up. The following tips and strategies can help.

What do I say?

Kids have different questions and concerns about sex at different ages. As your children get older, the things you talk about will change. Remember to:

• Talk early and often — you don’t have to fit everything into 1 conversation!
• Be ready to answer questions — children’s questions can tell you a lot about what they already know
• Listen carefully to your kids' opinions, even if you don’t agree
• Try using things that come up on TV, in music, or on social media to start a conversation
• Be honest about how you're feeling — for example, if you're embarrassed or uncomfortable, it’s okay to say so

Will talking to my kids really make a difference?

Parents are the most important influence on a young person's decisions about relationships and sex — even more important than friends, siblings, or the media. Most young people say that it would be easier to make decisions about sex if they could talk openly and honestly with their parents.

Young people who talk with their parents about sex are more likely to put off having sex until they're older. They're also more likely to make healthy choices, like using condoms to prevent STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and pregnancy, if they do choose to have sex. STIs are also called STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). 

When is the right time to start talking?

It’s never too early to start talking to children about their bodies. Be sure to use the medical names for all body parts and explain what they do. These resources can help:

• Reproductive systems with a vagina, uterus, and ovaries (often called female reproductive systems)
• Reproductive systems with a penis and testicles (often called male reproductive systems)

What do I tell my kids about puberty?

Puberty is when your child's body starts to develop and change into an adult body. Puberty is different for each child.

• For girls, puberty usually starts between ages 8 and 15 years. Get more information about what puberty is like for girls.
• For boys, it usually begins between ages 9 and 16 years. Get more information about what puberty is like for boys.

Puberty can be a confusing and overwhelming time for many young people. You can help your kids by:

• Telling them that puberty is a normal part of growing up
• Sharing facts to help them understand their changing bodies and feelings
• Talking about your own puberty experiences when you were growing up

As your kids get older, they may be less likely to ask you questions. So it’s a good idea for you to start conversations with them.

How can I help my kids build healthy, respectful relationships?

Start conversations about what healthy and respectful relationships look like. Talk with your child about what they should expect for themselves and others in their relationships with friends, as well as in romantic or sexual relationships.

Talk about the importance of respect in all relationships, including giving and receiving consent in dating or sexual relationships. And try to model healthy and respectful relationships for your child as much as possible.  

Families have different expectations about when and how kids can start dating or having sexual relationships. Talk about your family expectations for healthy, respectful relationships before your child starts dating — and keep checking in with them often.

Learn more about healthy relationships. You can also share this resource about healthy relationships with your kids.

Talk about different kinds of relationships, including relationships with opposite-sex and same-sex partners.

When you talk about relationships and sex, don't assume your child is only interested in opposite-sex relationships. Some young people may be interested in same-sex relationships or identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. And some may not be interested in sexual relationships at all — they may identify as asexual, for example.

It's important to let your child know that you love them and that you appreciate them sharing this part of their life with you. Young people who identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual are less likely to be depressed if their parents are supportive. They’re also more likely to make healthy choices about sex and relationships.  Find out how you can support a lesbian, gay, or bisexual child.

What do I tell my child about preventing pregnancy and STIs?

Make sure your kids have the facts they need to make healthy and informed decisions about their sexual health. This includes information about pregnancy and STIs like HIV and chlamydia.

Even if you don't think your child is having sex or in a dating or romantic relationship, talk with them about ways to prevent pregnancy and STIs.

Tell your child about different kinds of birth control. It's also important to make sure your child knows how to access and use condoms to prevent STIs — even if they're also using another method to prevent pregnancy.

Check out these resources to learn more:

• Talk with Your Teen About Preventing STIs
• Choose the Right Birth Control
• Answering Questions About Sex
• Birth Control: What Parents Need to Know 

Ask your kids where they get information about relationships, sex, pregnancy, and STIs.

Make sure you know where your child is getting health information. Some sources of information may be more medically accurate than others. 

Encourage your child to talk with their doctor about sexual health.

Doctors can be a trustworthy source of information about relationships, sex, pregnancy, and STIs. Next time you bring your child for a doctor visit, ask if they’d like to spend a few minutes alone with the doctor to ask questions. 

Learn why one-on-one time with their doctor is important for teens.

Kids need information from adults they trust. Use these tips to start a conversation today.

Talk early and often.

Start having conversations about your values and expectations when your kids are young. That way, they'll get used to sharing information and opinions with you. This will make it easier for you to keep talking as they get older.

There are lots of ways to talk to kids about relationships and sex. Try having lots of little conversations instead of 1 big talk. And remember, if you’ve been putting it off, it’s never too late to start a conversation about sexual health.

Get tips on how to:

• Communicate with your child
• Connect with your child through conversation
• Talk to your teen about sex and relationships

Start small.

Try not to give your kids too much information at once. Give them time between conversations to think. They may come back later and ask questions.

Practice active listening.

Active listening is a way to show your kids that you're paying attention and trying to understand their thoughts and feelings. Try these tips:

• Nod your head and make eye contact to show that you're interested in what they have to say.
• Repeat back what your child says in your own words. For example: “What I'm hearing is that you're feeling frustrated with our rules. You feel that you're old enough to make your own decisions.”

Get more listening tips for parents.

Ask questions.

Give your kids time and space to talk about their feelings and thoughts. Ask for their opinions. Be sure to listen, even if you don't agree.

Try asking questions like:

• Have you talked about puberty, sex, or relationships in health class? With friends? Do you have any questions?
• When do you think it’s okay to start dating or having romantic relationships?
• When do you think a person is ready to have sex?

Always take your kids' values and opinions seriously. This shows that you respect what they have to say — and it can help them feel more comfortable talking to you.

Be ready to answer questions.

When your kids ask you questions, ask them what they think first. Their answers will tell you more about what they're asking and why. This also gives you time to think about your answer.

Do your best to answer questions honestly and correctly. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it's okay! You can say, “I’m not sure. Let’s look that up together.”

Keep in mind that kids get information about sex from lots of different sources, like friends, the internet, social media, and TV. They may get conflicting and inaccurate information, which can be confusing. That’s another reason why it’s important for you to answer questions as clearly and accurately as you can.

Use media to start a conversation.

Kids see and hear messages about relationships and sex every day in the media — like on TV, in music, and online. When something comes up in a social media post, TV show, or song, use it as an opportunity to start a conversation with your kids.

Talk in the car or in the kitchen.

It can sometimes be easier to talk about sex if you're doing something else at the same time. Try asking a question when you're driving or cooking dinner.

You can still show that you're listening by nodding your head or repeating what your child says to you.

Be honest.

It’s okay to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. Be honest about how you're feeling. Remember, when you're honest with your kids, they're more likely to be honest with you.

Talk with other parents.

Keep in mind that you're not the only parent thinking about how to talk to kids about relationships and sex. Ask other parents how conversations with their kids are going. You may be able to get useful tips and ideas.

Talking to other parents is also a great way to learn more about the messages other kids are getting about relationships and sex.

One of the best ways to prevent back pain is to keep your back muscles strong. Try these tips to help protect your back and prevent back pain:

• Do muscle-strengthening and stretching exercises at least 2 days a week.
• Stand and sit up straight.
• Avoid heavy lifting. If you do lift something heavy, bend your knees and keep your back straight. That way, your leg muscles will do most of the work.
• Aim for a healthy weight. Being overweight can strain your back. Getting regular physical activity and choosing healthy foods can help you get to and stay at a healthy weight.

Learn more about back pain.

There are different types of back pain.

Back pain can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). It can feel like a sudden, sharp pain or a dull, constant ache.

Acute back pain lasts from a few days to a few weeks. It’s often caused by an accident, a fall, or lifting something that’s too heavy. Acute back pain usually gets better on its own — but there may be times when you need to get medical care. Find out when to call a doctor or nurse about back pain.

Chronic back pain lasts for more than 3 months. It’s much less common than acute back pain. Most chronic back pain can be treated without surgery. 

Learn about ways to treat back pain.

Who gets back pain?

Most people have back pain at some point in their lives. It’s one of the most common medical problems. Many people hurt their backs when they lift, push, or pull something that's too heavy. You’re more likely to experience back pain as you get older.

You may also be at risk for back pain if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have poor posture (don’t stand and sit up straight)
• Aren’t physically active
• Are overweight
• Fall or have an accident
• Have a health problem that can cause back pain (like arthritis or cancer)
• Smoke

Take care of yourself to avoid back pain. Preventing back pain is easier than treating it.

Strengthen your back.

Physical activity can make your back stronger and lower your risk of back pain:

• Do muscle-strengthening and stretching exercises at least 2 days a week. Try these exercises.
• Try a yoga class. Yoga can help stretch and strengthen muscles and improve your posture. Get the facts about yoga. 
• Stay active. Regular physical activity can help keep your back muscles strong. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Learn more about getting active.

If you have an injury, health condition, or disability, consider asking your doctor or nurse which types of activity are best for you. Get tips on staying active with a disability.

Focus on good posture.

Good posture can help prevent back pain.

• Try not to slouch when standing and sitting
• Sit up straight with your back against the back of your chair and your feet flat on the floor — if possible, keep your knees slightly higher than your hips
• Stand tall with your head up and shoulders back
• If you can, switch between standing and sitting so you’re not in the same position for too long

Lift correctly.

Lift things with your legs, not your back. Keep your back straight and bend at your knees. Get help if the load is too heavy for you to lift alone. Get more tips on safe lifting. 

Prevent back injuries if you sit a lot.

If you sit a lot — like if you work at a desk — it’s important to take care of your back. Take regular breaks from sitting if you can. Learn more about preventing back pain at work.

Aim for a healthy weight.

Getting to and staying at a healthy weight lowers your risk of back pain. If you’re overweight, losing weight in a healthy way can lower the strain on your back. Get tips for maintaining a healthy weight.

Get enough calcium and vitamin D.

Getting enough calcium and vitamin D can help keep your bones strong and prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes your bones weaker and more likely to fracture (break) — and if it affects your spine, it can cause back pain.

To learn more:

• Read about getting enough calcium and vitamin D
• Talk with your doctor about osteoporosis

For some people, taking low-dose aspirin regularly can lower the risk of heart disease. But taking aspirin so often has health risks, too. Ask your doctor about starting to take aspirin regularly if you’re age 40 to 59 years, have never had heart disease or a stroke, and have any risk factors for heart disease, including:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Overweight or obesity

If you’re age 60 years or older, starting aspirin to prevent heart disease isn’t recommended because the health risks outweigh the possible benefits.

Usually, taking aspirin to prevent heart disease means taking it every day. Talk with your doctor about your health history and decide together whether taking low-dose aspirin is right for you.

What are the benefits of taking aspirin regularly?

For people age 40 to 59 years who have a higher risk of heart disease, taking low-dose aspirin regularly can lower the risk of a first heart attack or stroke by preventing blood clots. Blood clots are clumps of thickened blood that can block blood flow to parts of the body. They can cause serious health problems or even death.

A blood clot can:

• Block blood flow to your heart and cause a heart attack
• Prevent blood from getting to your brain and cause a stroke

For some people, taking aspirin regularly can prevent blood clots and lower the risk of a first heart attack or stroke. If you’ve already had a heart attack or stroke, talk to your doctor about ways you can prevent another one.

What are the risks of taking aspirin regularly?

Taking aspirin regularly isn't right for everyone. For some people, it may cause side effects — like bleeding in the stomach, intestines, or brain. The risk of these problems goes up as you get older, too.

Talk with your doctor before you start taking aspirin. Be sure to tell your doctor about any health conditions you have (like stomach problems or bleeding problems).

Learn more about the benefits and risks of taking aspirin every day.

Take these steps to protect your health if you have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. 

Find out if daily aspirin is right for you.

Your doctor can help you decide if low-dose aspirin is the right choice for you based on your age and other factors. Talk with your doctor about:

• Your risk of heart attack or stroke
• The risks of taking aspirin regularly and the side effects it may cause
• What kind of aspirin to take
• How much to take
• How often to take it

It's important to tell your doctor about all the other medicines you take, including vitamins, herbs, and over-the-counter medicines (medicines you can get without a prescription). It may be dangerous to mix aspirin with other medicines.

Share your family’s health history.

Your family history affects your risk for heart attack and stroke. Use this family health history tool to keep track of your family’s health. Share this information with your doctor.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover aspirin for certain people who have a high risk of heart disease. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get aspirin at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more. 

Learn more about:

• Free preventive care for adults covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Your health insurance and how to use it [PDF – 1.9 MB]

Use aspirin safely.

If you and your doctor decide that regularly taking low-dose aspirin is right for you, follow these safety tips:

• Make sure you understand how much aspirin to take and how often to take it. Most people who take aspirin to prevent disease take 81 mg every day — though your doctor may recommend you take a higher dose every other day.
• Talk with your doctor before you start taking a new medicine or vitamin. Ask if it’s safe to take with aspirin.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. This means no more than 1 drink a day for women and no more than 2 drinks a day for men. Alcohol can increase some risks of taking aspirin regularly.
• Check with your doctor first if you want to stop taking aspirin regularly.
• Get more tips about using medicines safely.

Make it easy to remember.

Here are a few things that may help you remember to take aspirin regularly:

• Take it at the same time every day — for example, take it after you brush your teeth or when you eat breakfast
• Put a reminder note on your bathroom mirror where you will see it each day
• Use a weekly pillbox to keep track of the medicines you take each day

Take steps to protect your health.

There are many ways to stay healthy. Take these steps to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke:

• Quit smoking
• Get active
• Aim for a healthy weight
• Eat healthy

Find out more about keeping your heart healthy and reducing your risk of stroke.

You can help protect yourself from infections when you get medical care. This is especially important when you have a medical procedure, like surgery or dialysis.

Take these steps to help prevent infections when you have a medical procedure:

• Talk with your doctor or nurse about infections
• Make sure your doctors, nurses, and visitors always wash their hands before visiting and caring for you — and wash your own hands often, too
• Follow the instructions your doctor gives you for preventing infections after your procedure

How do medical procedures put people at risk for infections?

Germs can spread from one patient to another or from doctors and nurses to patients. You're at higher risk of getting infections from germs if:

• You have surgery or you get an IV (intravenous) tube, a catheter (tube in your vein or bladder), or a ventilator (breathing tube)
• You are very sick
• Your doctors, nurses, and visitors don't take steps to prevent infections, like washing their hands
• You take antibiotics you don't need

The good news is that patients and doctors can work together to prevent the spread of germs and avoid infections. Learn more about preventing infections.

What types of infections can people get from medical procedures?

Infections people get from visiting a hospital, health clinic, doctor’s office, or other health care facility are called health care-associated infections (HAIs).

These infections can lead to sickness and even death. Examples of HAIs include blood infections and urinary tract infections from catheters.

Learn more about common HAIs:

• Urinary tract infections
• Pneumonia
• Blood infections
• MRSA infections 
• Surgical site infections
• C. diff (Clostridium difficile) infections

How will I know if I have an infection?

Common signs that you may have an infection include:

• Fever
• Burning or pain below the stomach (the lower abdomen) 
• Burning or pain when peeing (urinating) or having to pee more often than usual
• Redness or pain around a catheter or wound
• Pus or other liquid coming from the skin 
• Diarrhea (frequent, watery poop)
• Pain that you weren't having before

You and your doctor or nurse can work together to prevent infections by following these steps.

Talk with your doctor about preventing infections.

Before having surgery or getting another type of medical procedure, talk with your doctor or nurse about:

• Any medical problems you have (like diabetes) since some medical problems can raise your risk of getting an infection 
• What your health care team will do before the procedure to help prevent an infection, like cleaning the skin with soap
• What you can do to help protect yourself from an infection before and after the procedure

Start the conversation by saying, “I know how easy it is for people to get infections. I don’t want it to happen to me.” 

Speak up if something doesn’t seem right.

Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions before or after your procedure. For example, tell the doctor or nurse if your bandages aren’t clean, dry, or attached well. Your safety is their priority. 

After your procedure, pay close attention to changes in your health. If you get home and start to feel sick or notice signs of an infection, call your doctor or nurse right away.

Always make sure your doctors and nurses wash their hands.

Ask your doctors and nurses if they washed their hands. This is one of the most important ways to prevent infections. Even if they wear gloves, they still need to wash their hands before putting them on — just wearing gloves is not enough to prevent infections.

You might feel uncomfortable asking the doctors or nurses if their hands are clean — but remember that it’s their job to help keep you safe and healthy.

For more information, check out this patient’s guide to hand hygiene [PDF - 1.4 MB].

Ask your visitors to wash their hands, too.

Make sure your family members and friends wash their hands when they visit you. And if a loved one isn’t feeling well, ask them to call instead of visiting in person.

Take steps to prevent infections after a procedure.

It's important to follow all the instructions you get for what to do after a medical procedure. For example, be sure to: 

• Wash your hands with soap and water often — especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and before and after touching a wound or catheter
• Ask every day if it's time for the catheter to be removed (if you have a catheter)
• Keep any follow-up appointments

Use medicines safely.

You may need to take antibiotics or other medicines after a procedure. Be sure to follow the instructions on when, how often, and how long you need to take your medicines.

If you're taking antibiotics:

• Take all doses of the antibiotic unless your doctor tells you to stop
• Never share antibiotics with other people
• Safely get rid of any antibiotics that you don't use
• Tell your doctor or nurse if you start having diarrhea

Call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist right away if you have any questions about your medicine — or if you're worried that your medicine is making you feel worse.

Get more tips to use medicines safely.

Stay up to date on your vaccines (shots).

Ask your doctor about important vaccines to protect you from infections. Learn which vaccines adults need to stay safe.

Quit smoking.

Quit smoking. Patients who smoke get more infections. Talk to your doctor about how you can quit before your surgery. If you smoke, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to make your quit plan.

Get more ideas for quitting smoking.

When you’re sick, medicines can help you feel better and get well. But if you don’t follow the directions, medicines can harm you.

Any medicine can have side effects. But you can lower your chances of side effects from medicines by carefully following the directions on the medicine label or from your pharmacist, doctor, or nurse.

Side effects may be mild, like an upset stomach. Other side effects — like damage to your liver — can be more serious. Some side effects can even be deadly.

Take these steps to avoid problems with medicines:

• Follow the directions on the medicine label carefully
• If you don’t understand the directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you
• Keep a list of all the medicines, vitamins, minerals, and herbs you use — and share this information with your doctor at your next checkup
• Store your medicines in a cool, dry place where children and pets can’t see or reach them

The 2 types of medicine are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).

Prescription medicines

Prescription medicines are medicines you can get only with a prescription (order) from your doctor. You get these medicines from a pharmacy.

These medicines are only safe to use if your name is on the prescription. Using someone else’s prescription medicine can be very harmful.

Sometimes you can choose between a generic medicine and a brand name medicine. Generic and brand name medicines work the same way, but generic medicine usually costs less.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company for more information about generic medicines. You can also read more about generic medicines.

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy at a store without a prescription.

Some examples of OTC medicines include:

• Cold and flu medicines
• Pain medicines like aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen
• Allergy medicines
• Sleep aids
• Toothpaste with fluoride

Read your medicine's Drug Facts label.

All OTC medicines come with a Drug Facts label. The information on this label can help you choose the right OTC medicine for your symptoms.

The Drug Facts label also gives you instructions for using the medicine safely. OTC medicines can cause side effects or harm if you use too much or don’t use them correctly.

Following the directions on the Drug Facts label will lower your chances of side effects. Learn more about what’s on the Drug Facts label.

Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can also help you choose OTC medicines and answer any questions you may have

Take these steps to prevent problems and mistakes with your medicines.

Talk to your doctor before starting a new medicine.

Before you use any new prescription medicines, tell your doctor:

• About other medicines you use — both prescription and OTC medicines
• About any vitamins, minerals, or herbs you use 
• If you're allergic to any medicines
• If you’ve had side effects after using any medicines
• If you're pregnant or breastfeeding — this is because some medicines may harm your baby
• If you have any questions or concerns about the new medicine

Be sure to keep taking your prescription medicines until your doctor tells you it’s okay to stop — even if you’re feeling better. If you're worried the medicine is making you feel worse, tell your doctor. Keep in mind that sometimes you can get side effects when you stop your medicine.

Talk with your doctor about drug misuse.

If you think you may have a problem with either legal medicines or illegal drugs (like heroin or cocaine), tell your doctor. Your doctor needs to know what drugs you’re using before you start a new medicine — and treatment can help you stop misusing drugs. Learn more about getting help for drug misuse.

Follow the directions carefully.

Be sure to read the directions carefully when taking prescription or OTC medicines. Learn more about using OTC medicines safely.

If you notice unpleasant side effects after taking medicine, like feeling dizzy or having an upset stomach, call your doctor or nurse.

Ask questions to make sure you understand.

To use a medicine safely, you need to know:

• The name of the medicine
• Why you're using the medicine
• How to use the medicine the right way
• If there are any medicines you need to avoid while you’re taking this one
• What the side effects could be
• What to do if you start having side effects
• How to store medicine safely — and how to safely get rid of leftover or unused medicine

Ask your doctor or nurse questions to be sure you understand how to use your medicine. Take notes to help you remember the answers. You can even ask to record the instructions on your phone. Check out these questions to ask your doctor or nurse.

You can also ask a pharmacist if you forget how to use a medicine or you don’t understand the directions. Use these tips to talk with a pharmacist about your medicines.

Keep track of your medicines.

Follow these tips to help you keep track of your medicines:

• Use this resource to make a list of the medicines you use [PDF - 156 KB]. Write down how much you use and when you use each medicine — and make sure to include any dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, or herbs) you take.
• Take the list with you whenever you go to a medical appointment. You may also want to make a copy to give to a family member or friend in case you have a medical emergency.
• Read and save any information that comes with your medicine.
• Keep your medicine in the box or bottle it came in so you have all the information from the label.
• Pay attention to the color and shape of your pills. If they look different when you get a refill, ask your pharmacist to double-check that you have the right medicine.

Put your medicines in a safe place.

Your medicines will last longer and work better if you store them correctly. Follow these tips:

• Check for storage instructions on the medicine label — for example, some medicines need to be stored in the refrigerator.
• Store medicines that don't have special storage instructions in a cool, dry place. Medicines can go bad in places that are damp and warm, like the kitchen or bathroom.
• Keep medicines away from children and pets. Using a locked box, cabinet, or closet is best. Get more tips for how to keep medicines away from children. 
• Get rid of expired (out-of-date) medicines and medicines you no longer use. Follow these instructions to get rid of old or extra medicines safely.

Call the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away if a child or someone else accidentally uses your medicine.

Regular physical activity is good for everyone's health! Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. And at least 2 days a week, do activities that strengthen your muscles.

If you haven't been active before, or you haven't been active for a while, start slowly. Even 5 minutes of physical activity has real health benefits! Once you get the hang of it, add a little more activity each time.

What kinds of activity should I do?

To get all the health benefits of physical activity, do a combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.

• Aerobic activities make you breathe harder and get your heart beating faster. Walking fast is an example of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Jogging or running is an example of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity.
• Muscle-strengthening activities make your muscles stronger. Examples include lifting weights, using resistance bands, and doing bodyweight exercises (like push-ups).

Use these resources to learn more about physical activity for:

• Adults
• Older adults
• Parents
• During and after pregnancy

What are the benefits of physical activity?

Physical activity increases your chances of living longer. It can also help:

• Control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight
• Lower your “bad” cholesterol and raise your “good” cholesterol
• Prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer

And that’s not all. Being more active can:

• Boost your mood
• Help you sleep better
• Make your bones, muscles, and joints healthier
• Lower your chances of becoming depressed
• Lower your risk of falls and reduce arthritis pain
• Help you have fun and feel better about yourself

Is physical activity for everyone?

Yes! Physical activity is good for people of all ages, body types, and abilities. Even if you feel out of shape, or you haven’t been active in a long time, you can find activities that work for you. 

What if I have a health condition?

If you have a health condition like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, physical activity can help you manage it. And if you have overweight or obesity, getting active can help you manage your weight and lower your risk of health problems. Ask your doctor what types of activity are best for you if you have a health condition.

You can also:

• Get tips on physical activity and diabetes
• Learn how physical activity helps control high blood pressure
• Find out more about how you can stay active at any size

What if I have a disability?

If you have a disability, you can find safe, fun ways to get active. Talk with your doctor if you need help choosing the best activities for you. You can also use these tips to stay active with a disability.

Start slowly.

If you haven't been active before, or you haven’t been active for a while, start out slowly and add new activities little by little. After a few weeks or months, do them longer and more often. If you’re not sure where to start, use this tool to build a weekly plan.

Watch this 2-minute video for tips on getting motivated.

Choose activities you enjoy.

Lots of things count as physical activity! Find things you really like to do. Play games like tennis or basketball, take a pilates or martial arts class, or just dance around your living room. Ask your friends to join you.

Any amount of physical activity throughout your day can add up to big health benefits. You can:

• Go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood
• Ride a bike to work — or just for fun
• Do push-ups during commercial breaks in TV shows

Have fun with your family.

You can be a role model for children and other family members. Encourage your whole family to get active outside — go for a hike or organize a family soccer game.

If you can't get active outside, watch this 2-minute video for ways your family can get active indoors.

If someone you love has trouble making time for physical activity, use these tips to help your loved one get more active.

Strengthen your muscles.

Do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. Try some of these activities:

• Heavy gardening, like digging or shoveling
• Doing push-ups on the floor or against the wall
• Lifting small weights — you can even use books or cans of food as weights

If you do muscle-strengthening activities with weights, learn about safe weight training.

Track your progress.

Keep track of your physical activity — you can write it down or use an app. Enter your goals and track your activities each week. Use a fitness tracker to count the number of steps you take. And as you get more active, you can set higher goals!

Use this tool to build a weekly activity plan, then print it out to track your activity throughout the week.

Be realistic.

Remember, it’s not all or nothing. Even 5 minutes of activity is better than none! See if you can fit in 5 minutes of activity before work or after dinner — whatever works for you.

Get ready to get more active.

Any amount of physical activity is better than none — but getting more activity can increase the health benefits.

Here are 2 ways to add more activity to your routine:

• Be active for longer each time — if you're walking 3 days a week for 30 minutes, try adding an additional 10 minutes each day
• Be active more often — if you're riding your bike to work 2 days a week, try making it 4 days a week

Find time in your schedule.

Look at your schedule for the week. Find a few times to fit in some extra activity and put them in your calendar. Watch this 2-minute video for tips to get active on busy days.

Do more vigorous activities.

In general, 1 minute of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity has the same benefits as 2 minutes of moderate-intensity activity. For example, 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity is roughly the same as 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity. 

Try swapping in some vigorous-intensity activity — for example, include a few minutes of jogging or running as part of your walk. That way, you can get the same health benefits in less time!

Do the talk test to figure out if an activity is moderate intensity or vigorous intensity:

• If you’re breathing hard, but can still have a conversation easily, it’s moderate-intensity activity
• If you can only say a few words before you have to take a breath, it’s vigorous-intensity activity

Health care during pregnancy is called prenatal care. Getting prenatal care can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthier baby. It also lowers the risk of your baby being born too early, which can lead to health problems for your baby.

Doctors who specialize in women’s health, pregnancy, and childbirth are called obstetricians or gynecologists (often called Ob/Gyn). Some nurse practitioners and midwives can also provide prenatal care. A midwife is a health professional who helps women during pregnancy and childbirth.

Get regular prenatal checkups.

Schedule a visit with your doctor or midwife as soon as you know you're pregnant — or if you think you might be. You'll need many checkups with your doctor or midwife during your pregnancy. Don't miss any of these appointments — they're all important.

Be sure to get all the medical tests that your doctor or midwife recommends so you can find any health problems early. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others.

Take steps to have a healthy pregnancy.

To keep you and your baby healthy, it's important that you:

• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
• Eat healthy and get enough folic acid
• Stay physically active

Get more tips for a healthy pregnancy:

• If you just learned that you're pregnant, find out what to do next
• Check out these tips for staying healthy and safe during pregnancy

Make the most of each visit with the doctor or midwife.

Talk with your doctor or midwife about:

• Your personal and family health history, including any chronic (long-term) health problems or surgeries you've had
• When you need to get medical care for issues that can come up — like high blood pressure, dizziness, swelling, pain, bleeding, or contractions
• When and where to go for emergency care during your pregnancy
• Any prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you take — as well as vitamins, supplements, and herbs
• Healthy weight gain during pregnancy

These visits are also a great time to discuss:

• Questions you have about pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding
• How to get help buying food if you need it — including how to get help from a program called WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
• Anything that’s bothering or worrying you

If you're worried about your health during pregnancy, don't wait to ask for help: 

• Learn more about pregnancy complications and when to call your doctor or midwife
• Find out about warning signs that mean you should seek help right away

Make a birth plan and share it with your doctor or midwife.

A birth plan describes what you want to happen during childbirth and after your baby's birth. It can include:

• Where you'd like to give birth — for example, at a hospital or birthing center
• Who you want with you for support (like your partner, family member, or close friend) before, during, and after childbirth
• How you want to manage pain during childbirth
• Who you want to help you make important medical decisions during childbirth
• Your plan to breastfeed after your baby is born

Learn more about your options for managing pain during childbirth.

Talk with your doctor about depression.

Many women experience depression during and after pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about your risk for depression and whether you need counseling to help prevent it or cope with it.

Get important medical tests.

During your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will recommend medical tests that all people need as part of routine prenatal care. You’ll need to get some tests more than once.

These tests give your doctor or midwife important information about you and your baby. The tests will check your blood, urine (pee), or a swab of your vagina and rectum for:

• Rh factor (a protein some people have in their blood)
• Hepatitis B
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Signs of past rubella infections (German measles)
• Group B strep

If you're younger than age 25 years or have certain risk factors, your doctor or midwife may also check for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Learn more about STIs during pregnancy.

Your doctor or midwife will also check your blood pressure regularly during your pregnancy. They may recommend that you check your own blood pressure at home using a monitor you can buy at a drug store. High blood pressure during pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia, a health problem that some pregnant women develop. Learn more about preventing preeclampsia.

Talk about your family history.

Share your personal and family health history with your doctor or midwife. This will help you and your doctor or midwife decide whether you need any other tests, like genetic testing. Find out more about prenatal genetic testing.

Get tested for gestational diabetes.

All pregnant women need to get tested for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that some women develop during pregnancy.

Pregnant women at high risk for type 2 diabetes may need to get tested earlier in their pregnancy. Find out about your risk for type 2 diabetes.

What do I need to know about gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes can lead to health problems for pregnant women and their babies — both during and after pregnancy. It’s important to get tested so that you and your doctor or midwife can take steps to protect you and your baby.

You're at higher risk for gestational diabetes if you:

• Are overweight or have obesity
• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Are older than 25 years
• Are African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander
• Had gestational diabetes during an earlier pregnancy
• Have given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds
• Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

You can lower your risk for gestational diabetes by being at a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying active during pregnancy.

• Learn more about gestational diabetes
• Ask your doctor about getting tested for gestational diabetes
• Aim for a healthy weight

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover routine prenatal tests. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get these tests at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover routine prenatal tests at no cost. Use this tool to see what Medicare covers. 

If you don’t have health insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost prenatal care:

• Get connected with free or low-cost services in your state by calling 1-800-311-BABY (1-800-311-2229)
• Find a health center near you and ask about prenatal care

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Health insurance options for pregnant women
• Free preventive care for women covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 1.9 MB]

There are lots of things you can do today to help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Get regular prenatal care.

Plan on getting a prenatal checkup at least once a month for the first 6 months (through week 28) — and more often during the last 3 months of your pregnancy (after week 28). Learn more about prenatal care.

Get important vaccines.

All pregnant women need whooping cough and flu vaccines (shots). Talk to your doctor or midwife about getting other vaccines to help protect you and your baby. Learn more about vaccines to get during pregnancy. 

Take charge of your health care.

Speak up and ask questions when you're with your doctor or midwife. When you play an active role in your health care, you help make sure that you and your growing family will get good care. Find out how to take charge of your health care.

Keep track of your baby’s movement.

Sometime between 16 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, you'll probably start to feel your baby move. Keep track of how often your baby moves. If you think your baby is moving less than usual, call your doctor or midwife.

One of the best ways to protect you and your baby is to stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs before you become pregnant — or as soon as you know you’re pregnant.

There's no safe amount to drink or smoke while you're pregnant. Both can harm your baby’s health. Talk with your doctor or midwife about ways to help you quit.

It’s best for you and your baby if you quit all forms of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes (vapes). Secondhand smoke (smoke from other people’s cigarettes) can also put you and your baby at risk for health problems. Stay away from cigarette smoke during your pregnancy.

Using drugs during pregnancy — including opioid pain medicines and marijuana — can also put your baby’s health at risk. If you’re pregnant and using drugs, talk with your doctor right away.

Learn more:

• Smoking, Pregnancy, and Babies
• Quit Smoking
• Alcohol and Pregnancy
• Cannabis and Pregnancy
• Opioid Use During Pregnancy

Get the nutrients you need.

Making healthy food choices and taking supplements as needed can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

• Check out these tips on healthy eating during pregnancy
• Ask your doctor or midwife if you need to take a daily prenatal supplement during pregnancy
• Take a daily supplement with 400 to 800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid — folic acid is a vitamin that can prevent birth defects
• Follow food safety tips to keep you and your baby healthy 

And keep in mind that you need to eat more during your second and third trimester to help your baby grow. Use this tool to calculate how much food you need during each trimester. 

Gain weight in a healthy way.

Gaining a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy is important for both you and your baby. Learn how much weight is healthy for you to gain during pregnancy.

Ask your doctor or midwife about how you can keep your weight gain in a healthy range. 

Stay active. 

Being physically active can help you have a healthier pregnancy. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity — like walking, dancing, or swimming. 

If you haven’t been active before, start slow and do what you can! Even a 5-minute walk has real health benefits, and you can add more activity over time.

Get more information about physical activity during pregnancy from these resources:

• Stay Active During Pregnancy: Quick Tips
• Move Your Way: Pregnancy

Take steps to prevent infections.

Follow these tips to prevent infections and help keep your baby safe:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Make safe food choices and prepare food safely
• If you have a cat, learn how to protect yourself from toxoplasmosis (a disease spread by dirty cat litter)
• Get vaccines to protect you from whooping cough and the flu
• Avoid traveling to an area with Zika virus — and if you have to travel to an area with Zika, learn how to protect yourself from Zika virus

Learn more about preventing infections during pregnancy.

Ask for help if you need it.

Being pregnant may be tiring or stressful at times. Extra support from loved ones can help. For example, family members or friends can:

• Provide emotional support so you feel less stressed
• Bring you healthy meals
• Visit the doctor or midwife with you
• Go with you to a breastfeeding or birthing class
• Change the litter box if you have a cat
• Help prepare for the baby’s arrival by setting up furniture

Think about what you need, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Plan ahead for the first year with your new baby.

Having a new baby is exciting, but it can be stressful. Take steps to help you prepare for your new baby:

• Create a safe sleeping area for your baby, on a firm, flat mattress without soft objects like blankets, pillows, or toys in the crib. Always put your baby to sleep on their back.
• Talk with your doctor or midwife about newborn screening tests.
• Learn how to breastfeed your baby.
• Know the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. About 1 in 8 women experience depression after they have a baby. Talk to your doctor or midwife if you have any questions or concerns.
• Make sure to keep up with postpartum visits to your doctor or midwife.
• Talk to friends and family about helping out after the baby arrives. If you don't want visitors, people can support you in other ways, like dropping off food.

Read more about preparing for your baby.

Not pregnant yet? Plan ahead.

Planning ahead can help you have a healthier pregnancy. For example: 

• Take a daily supplement with 400 to 800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help prevent certain birth defects. Most multivitamins have 400 mcg of folic acid — check the label to be sure.
• Stop drinking alcohol when you start trying to get pregnant.
• If you smoke, quit smoking when you start trying to get pregnant.

Read about more things you can do to plan ahead.

Schedule an appointment with a doctor or midwife.

• Get your blood pressure checked. If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor how you can control it before and during your pregnancy.
• If you have a chronic (long-term) health condition, like diabetes, ask your doctor how you can control it before and during your pregnancy.
• Ask about getting vaccines before you get pregnant.
• Talk with your doctor about your family health history, including any medical conditions you have that could affect a pregnancy.
• Talk with your doctor about your risk for depression during pregnancy and whether you need counseling to help prevent it. Learn about depression during and after pregnancy.
• Talk with your doctor about the medicines you take — both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines. Some medicines may not be safe to take while you’re pregnant.
• If you take opioid pain medicine, talk with your doctor about how to protect yourself and your baby. Learn more about opioids and pregnancy.

Talk about newborn screening with your doctor or midwife before your baby is born. Newborn screening includes tests that check for certain diseases and conditions in newborn babies.

Newborn screening lets doctors find these diseases and conditions early — before your baby shows any signs of a problem. Treating problems early is important to keep your baby healthy and developing normally. 

Your baby will get most tests before leaving the hospital. The tests don't cause any harm or risk to your baby. Check out these common questions about newborn screening. 

What tests will my baby need?

All states require newborn screening, but the number and types of tests can be different from state to state. Depending on your family health history, you may want to ask the doctor for extra tests.

Most newborn screening tests use a few drops of blood taken from the heel of your baby’s foot. Doctors can use the same sample of blood to test for many different diseases, including:

• Hypothyroidism: The thyroid is a gland in the neck that makes the thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) can cause problems with growth and development, but it can be treated if it’s found early.
• PKU (phenylketonuria): People with PKU can’t process certain foods. To make up for the foods they can’t eat, they have to drink a special formula. If it’s not treated early, PKU can cause intellectual disability — which can limit a person’s ability to learn and use everyday life skills.
• Sickle cell disease (SCD): SCD is a blood disorder that affects the entire body. Because children with SCD have a higher risk of infection, serious pain, and other health problems like stroke, finding and treating SCD early is important.

Critical congenital heart defects

Critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) are serious problems that affect how well your baby’s heart works. Many heart defects can be treated if they’re found early, so it’s important to screen your baby for CCHDs before they go home from the hospital. 

Doctors test for CCHDs by placing a small sensor on your baby's skin. This test is painless and only takes a few minutes. 

Hearing

A hearing screening checks how your baby responds to sounds using a tiny sensor or earphone. If your baby has hearing loss, finding out early can help prevent problems with speech, language, and social development. 

If your hospital doesn’t screen for hearing loss, ask your baby's doctor to check your child's hearing in the first month.

Some hearing loss starts later on, so have your child's hearing checked if you notice any problems. Learn more about signs of hearing loss in babies and children. 

If your child has hearing loss, it’s important to get help early on. Getting treatment early helps children with hearing loss develop communication and social skills. Some children may also be able to use devices that help them hear, like a hearing aid, or get medicine or surgery.  

Read more about hearing loss treatment and services.

If you're pregnant, talk with your doctor or midwife about newborn screening before your baby is born.

Find out which tests your hospital offers.

Ask your doctor or midwife which newborn screening tests are offered at the hospital where your baby will be born. You can also call the hospital to ask about screening tests. 

If you aren't planning to give birth at a hospital, your baby still needs to get screened. Ask your midwife if they can screen your baby for you. You can also take your baby to a hospital or clinic to get screened a few days after birth. To learn more:

• See which screening tests are offered in your state
• Contact your state health department and ask about required newborn screening

Follow up.

Ask the doctor when you'll get your baby’s test results. Your baby may need to get some tests again after leaving the hospital, especially if you go home less than 24 hours after giving birth. 

Make a plan with your doctor about how you'll follow up. And be sure to follow the instructions for any additional tests your baby needs. 

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover some newborn screening tests. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your baby screened at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more. 

Your child may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn about coverage options.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost screening tests for your baby. You can call one of the toll-free phone numbers below to connect with the health department in your area:

• For information in English, call 1-800-311-BABY (1-800-311-2229)
• For information in Spanish, call 1-800-504-7081

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]  

Schedule well-baby checkups.

A well-baby checkup is a full checkup from your baby’s doctor that you schedule ahead of time. This is different from other visits for sickness or injury. Most babies have their first well-baby checkup 2 to 3 days after coming home from the hospital.

Find out why well-baby visits are important for keeping your child healthy. 

Start building your child’s health record now.

Keep track of your baby’s test results and vaccines (shots). Put medical information in a safe place — you’ll need it for child care, school, and other activities.

Your family’s health history is another important part of your baby’s health record. Use this family health history tool to keep track of your family’s health. Keep a copy with your baby’s other health information.

Breastfeeding (also known as nursing) is very healthy for you and your baby. Breast milk or formula is the only food or liquid your baby needs for about the first 6 months after birth.

At about 6 months, you’ll start to feed your baby other foods in addition to breast milk. Experts recommend continuing to breastfeed your baby for at least the first 12 months — and for as long as you want after that.

Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. You and your baby may need practice — and almost all moms need a little help, especially in the beginning. The good news is that it gets easier with time.

To get ready to breastfeed:

• Talk to your doctor or midwife about breastfeeding
• Make a plan for after your baby is born

Once your baby is born:

• Let your doctor, nurse, or midwife know you want skin-to-skin contact with your baby right away
• Nurse whenever your baby is hungry
• Ask for help if breastfeeding is difficult

Read more about learning to breastfeed.

Does my newborn need any other foods?

No. Until your baby is about 6 months old, they only need breast milk or formula. In fact, giving babies things like rice cereal or baby food too early can keep them from getting the nutrients they need from breast milk or formula.

Most babies are ready for solid foods around age 6 months — don’t start giving your baby solid foods before age 4 months.

Here are some guidelines to help make sure your baby gets the nutrition they need.

Birth to about age 6 months:

• Feed your baby breast milk or formula (no juice, cow's milk, solid foods, or water)
• Give your baby any vitamins or minerals that your doctor recommends, like vitamin D or iron supplements

About ages 6 months to 12 months:

• Keep breastfeeding your baby
• Introduce your baby to a variety of new foods, including foods high in iron and zinc — like fortified infant cereal, meat, seafood, and beans

Age 12 months and older:

• Continue to breastfeed as long as it feels right for you and your baby
• Keep adding new foods to your baby's diet

Learn more:

• Eat healthy while you’re breastfeeding [PDF - 1.9 MB] 
• Build a healthy eating routine for your baby [PDF - 1.5 MB]
• How to introduce solid foods to your baby

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding gives you and your baby time to be close, get to know each other, and bond. Breastfeeding is a healthy choice for both moms and babies.

Benefits for your baby

Breast milk:

• Is the best source of nutrition for most babies
• Changes to meet your baby’s nutritional needs as they grow
• Helps protect your baby from infection and illness
• Lowers your baby’s risk of obesity, asthma, and type 1 diabetes
• Is easier for babies to digest than formula

Benefits for you

Breastfeeding can help protect you from:

• Ovarian and breast cancer
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes

Breastfeeding can also help lower your baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding.

If you’re worried about breastfeeding, you're not alone.

It's normal to have concerns about breastfeeding! The information below may help answer some of your questions.

My baby really doesn't need other food or liquid for the first 6 months?

Right. Your breast milk is made just for your baby — it’s the best form of nutrition in the first 6 months of life. Giving babies other food or liquid before their bodies are ready for it can cause health problems.

Also, when your baby eats cereal or formula instead of breast milk, your body gets a signal that your milk isn’t needed and starts to make less milk. The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body makes.

Will my baby be able to sleep through the night without other foods?

Your baby may wake up to nurse — but that’s normal. Many parents worry that their babies won't be full enough to sleep through the night with only breast milk. Actually, in the first couple of months, babies need to nurse every few hours, even at night — they aren't supposed to sleep through the night.

Check out these tips for parents on how to get rest with a newborn.

What if breastfeeding doesn’t work for me?

Breastfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby — but sometimes, health problems or other factors may mean breastfeeding isn’t an option. In those cases, formula is a safe alternative to breast milk. Donor milk — breast milk someone has pumped and donated to a “milk bank” — may also be an option. Find information about donor milk. 

If I breastfeed, will I be the only one who can feed my baby?

Not necessarily. Many moms think they won't get a break if they breastfeed. But you can learn how to pump and store breast milk so your baby can eat when you’re not there.

Use these resources to: 

• Find out what to expect while breastfeeding
• Learn about pumping and hand expression (using your hands to push out your breast milk) 
• Get tips for getting support from friends and family

After you start breastfeeding, it's normal to have lots of questions. Here are some tips and resources to help you breastfeed.

Talk to your doctor, nurse, or midwife about breastfeeding.

While you’re pregnant, tell your doctor, nurse, or midwife that you plan to breastfeed. Ask what kind of support is available to help you learn what you need to know.

If you have a health condition or take any medicines, ask if it's okay for you to breastfeed. Keep in mind that most conditions and medicines won't keep you from breastfeeding.

Get tips for finding a breastfeeding-friendly doctor's office. 

Get help from a breastfeeding specialist.

Many hospitals and doctor's offices have breastfeeding specialists called lactation consultants or counselors. They can answer your questions about breastfeeding and help you get started.

Your doctor or midwife can help you find a lactation consultant.

Get help from a peer.

Breastfeeding peer counselors are people who breastfed their own babies and learned how to help other people start breastfeeding. Ask your doctor or midwife how to find a peer counselor near you.

You can also use these resources to find more information online about breastfeeding. 

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans must cover counseling and breastfeeding supplies — like breast pumps — for pregnant and nursing women. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get help with breastfeeding at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost help with breastfeeding: 

• Get connected with free or low-cost services in your state by calling 1-800-311-BABY (1-800-311-2229)
• Find a health center near you and ask about breastfeeding support

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Breastfeeding benefits covered by the Affordable Care Act
• Free preventive care for women covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB] 
• Health insurance options for pregnant women

Learn about WIC.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a government program that can help you get healthy food for yourself and your baby. WIC offers breastfeeding support, too. Ask your doctor or midwife how to sign up for this no-cost program.

Find out more about WIC.

Make a plan for after your baby is born.

By pumping breast milk, you can provide food for your baby when you're apart. A lactation consultant can help you learn to pump and store breast milk.

If you plan to go back to work after your baby's birth, talk to your employer ahead of time about where you can pump and store breast milk at work. Most employers are now required by law to give you time and a place to pump milk at your job.

Check out these resources to get more information:

• Pumping and storing your breast milk
• Breastfeeding and returning to your workplace

Get close to your baby right away.

Tell your doctor, midwife, or nurse that you want to hold your baby skin-to-skin right after you give birth — and that you want to breastfeed within 1 hour. This will help you and your baby get off to a good start with breastfeeding.

At first, your milk will be yellow. This is called colostrum, and it’s very good for your baby. Your regular milk will come in after a few days, and your breasts will feel full.

Nurse whenever your baby shows signs of hunger.

Newborn babies need to nurse often — about every 2 hours. Nursing often is also important for you because it tells your body to make enough milk.

Watch your baby for signs of hunger, like:

• Moving their head from side to side (called rooting)
• Moving their fists to their mouth
• Smacking or licking their lips

Learn more signs that your baby is hungry or full.

Give your baby vitamin D.

Vitamin D helps babies grow healthy bones. Breast milk usually doesn’t have enough vitamin D in it — so if you only breastfeed your baby, or provide both breast milk and infant formula, you need to give them a vitamin D supplement. Start giving your baby a supplement with 400 IU (international units) per day of vitamin D soon after birth. Talk to your baby’s doctor about making sure your baby gets enough vitamin D. 

Talk to your baby’s doctor about iron.

Iron helps your baby’s brain develop, and breast milk may not have enough iron in it. When your baby starts eating solid foods at about 6 months, include foods with iron like meats, seafood, and iron-fortified infant cereals. Some babies may need to take iron supplements before age 6 months — ask your baby’s doctor if they need iron supplements. 

Introduce foods with zinc.

It’s also important for your baby to get enough zinc. At about 6 months, start introducing foods with zinc like meats, beans, and zinc-fortified infant cereals. 

Ask for help if breastfeeding is difficult.

Breastfeeding is new for you and your baby, so it'll take time and practice. It's okay to ask for help.

Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt.

You may think breastfeeding is a little uncomfortable at first, but it’s not normal for breastfeeding to be painful. If you have pain or any other problems during breastfeeding, talk to your doctor, nurse, or lactation consultant. 

Ask for help so that you and your baby can enjoy breastfeeding. Use these resources to learn more:

• Common breastfeeding challenges
• Tips on eating healthy while breastfeeding
• Answers to common questions about breastfeeding
• Ways to overcome common breastfeeding problems

Being at a healthy weight can help lower your risk for serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. 

Eating a mix of healthy foods and getting physical activity can help you control your weight — and has many other health benefits as well!

How do I know if I’m at a healthy weight?

Finding out your body mass index (BMI) is one way to learn if you’re at a healthy weight. You can use this BMI calculator to find out your BMI.

You can also talk to your doctor or nurse or a registered dietitian about what’s a healthy weight for you. They can help you make a plan for getting to and staying at a healthy weight. 

• If you have overweight and have risk factors for heart disease (like high blood pressure or high cholesterol), or if you have obesity, losing weight may improve your health. You can lose weight by getting more physical activity and eating fewer calories. Calories are a measure of the energy in the foods you eat.
• If you are at a healthy weight, take steps to stay at the same weight. You can stay at the same weight by getting regular physical activity and eating the right number of calories.
• If you think you might be underweight, talk to your doctor or nurse about how to gain weight in a healthy way.  

How do I know if I’m eating the right number of calories?

Balancing the calories you eat and drink with the calories you use for energy helps you stay at a healthy weight. 

Use the MyPlate Plan to get an idea of how many calories you need to maintain your current weight. 

• If your weight stays the same for several months, you’re eating the right number of calories to maintain your weight.
• To lose weight, try eating 500 to 750 fewer calories each day. 

What can losing weight do for me?

Getting to a weight that’s healthy for you can:

• Lower your blood pressure
• Lower your blood sugar
• Raise your HDL ("good") cholesterol
• Lower your LDL ("bad") cholesterol

And if you have overweight or obesity, getting to a weight that’s healthy for you can help lower your risk of serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

You may get these health benefits by losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, this would mean losing 10 to 20 pounds.

Losing weight can be challenging — but with time, commitment, and the right support, it’s possible! Start by making a promise to eat well, move more, and get support from family and friends.

Set realistic goals.

If you need to lose weight, do it slowly over time. Start by setting small, manageable goals like:

• I’ll try to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week.
• I’ll start by adding 10 minutes of physical activity to my daily routine.
• I’ll aim to eat 3 servings of veggies and fruit a day.

Remember that changing habits takes time, and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t meet all your goals right away. What matters is that you continue to work toward healthy habits.

Keep a food and activity diary.

When you know your habits, it's easier to make changes. Write down:

• What foods you eat (but you don’t need to track calories)
• When you eat
• Where you eat
• How much you eat
• Your physical activity
• How you're feeling

Print this food and activity diary or make your own. 

Get more physical activity.

Getting active helps you balance the calories you take in with the calories you use — and has many other health benefits as well!

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week. For example, try going for a brisk walk several days a week.
• To get the most benefits, try to also do muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. You can lift weights, climb stairs, or work in the garden—anything that makes your muscles work harder than usual counts.

How much activity you need will depend on your weight goals. If you’re working toward losing a large amount of weight, you may need to do more than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week to meet your goals. Talk to your doctor or nurse to make an activity plan that’s right for you.

But remember that even some physical activity is better than none. If the idea of long physical activity sessions seems overwhelming, try to get moving for shorter 10-minute periods throughout the day.

Check out these resources for more information:

• Staying Active at Any Size
• Physical Activity and Your Weight and Health

Eat healthy.

Eating healthy is good for your overall health. Making healthy food choices that are lower in calories can also help you manage your weight.

Here are a few healthy eating tips:

• Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables.
• Choose whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and a variety of foods with protein, like eggs and beans.
• Drink water or fat-free milk instead of soda or other drinks with added sugars.
• Read the Nutrition Facts label and choose healthier versions of your favorite foods that have fewer calories and less added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium.
• Bring this shopping list of heart-healthy foods the next time you go food shopping.

Check out these links to learn more:

• Try these menu planners for healthy meal ideas.
• Browse these recipes for new options.
• Download this fact sheet to help you build a healthy eating routine [PDF - 1.52 MB]
• Use this interactive tool to practice using the Nutrition Facts label to make smart food choices.
• Check out this info about healthy eating — including tips for cutting down on sodium (salt), added sugars, and saturated fat.

Eat smaller portions.

Eating a healthy diet is important, but you also need to pay attention to how much food you eat and limit portions of high-calorie foods. Take the Portion Distortion Quiz to test your knowledge.

Here are some ideas for eating smaller portions:

• Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. Stick to an eating schedule that works for you.  
• Read the label to find out how many servings are in a package. There may be more than 1!
• Put a serving of food in a bowl instead of eating out of the package or container.
• Serve yourself a portion that’s the right amount of calories for you. Leave serving dishes on the stove or countertop rather than bringing them to the table so you'll be less tempted to keep eating even after you’re full.
• Eat slowly — this will give you time to feel full.
• Don’t eat in front of the TV or computer. That makes it harder to keep track of how much you’re eating.

Try these tips when you eat out:

• Share a meal with a friend, or take half your meal home as leftovers.
• Ask for sauces or dressings “on the side” so you can control how much you use.

You don’t have to feel hungry or give up all of your favorite foods to lose weight! Learn about switching to healthier, filling alternatives.

Ask your doctor for help.

You may also want to talk to a doctor, nurse, or registered dietitian about different ways to lose weight. Your doctor can tell you about your options. Check out these questions to ask your doctor about losing weight.

Find out if you need to get tested for diabetes.

If you're age 35 to 70 years and you have overweight or obesity, ask your doctor to test you for diabetes. You may also need to get tested if you have other risk factors — like if you have family members with type 2 diabetes or if you had gestational diabetes in the past. Learn more about type 2 diabetes.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover screening and counseling for obesity. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Talk to your insurance company to find out more.

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost health services. To learn more, find a health center near you.

You can also check out these resources about:

• Free preventive care covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

It’s a good idea to be mindful about how much and how often you drink because alcohol can have negative effects on your health. If you don’t drink alcohol, there’s no reason to start. If you choose to drink, having only a moderate amount of alcohol can lower your risk for health problems that are caused by drinking (such as alcohol use disorder, alcohol-associated liver disease, and certain types of cancer) or made worse by drinking (such as high blood pressure, mental health problems, and sleep problems). 

Some people shouldn’t drink at all, like people younger than 21 years, women who are pregnant or might be pregnant, and people who have certain health conditions or take medicines that can have dangerous side effects when alcohol is present in the body.

What is drinking in moderation?

A moderate amount of alcohol means:

• 1 drink or less in a day for women
• 2 drinks or less in a day for men

Remember that drinking even a moderate amount of alcohol can have health risks.

Check out these guidelines for drinking alcohol in moderation.

What is 1 drink equal to?

Different types of beer, wine, and liquor have different amounts of alcohol. In general, 1 standard drink is equal to a:

• Bottle or can of regular beer (12 ounces)
• Glass of wine (5 ounces)
• Shot of distilled spirits, such as gin, rum, or vodka (1.5 ounces)

Keep in mind that the size of the drink and the percent of alcohol makes a difference. For example, many beers are about 5 percent alcohol, but some have higher percentages of alcohol. And some beers are sold in larger sizes than the standard 12 ounces. 

Different drinks have different amounts of calories, too. These calories add up — and getting more calories than you need can make it harder to stay at a healthy weight. For example, a 12-ounce bottle of beer has about 150 calories. 

• Learn more about the amount of alcohol in different drinks
• Calculate how many standard drinks are in different alcoholic beverages
• Find out how many calories are in a drink

Drinking alcohol might put you at risk for personal and health problems. The more you drink, the higher the risk of harm.

What are the risks of drinking?

Drinking alcohol, especially drinking more than a moderate amount, raises your risk for many health problems — including serious conditions that can lead to death. Some examples of alcohol-related health problems include:

• Alcohol use disorder
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Several types of cancer, including breast cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer
• Depression and anxiety
• Stroke
• Overdose, particularly when combined with sedatives and other drugs

Drinking even moderate amounts of alcohol may raise your risk for certain health problems. For example, the risk of breast cancer among women increases at less than 1 drink in a day compared to women who don’t drink at all. During pregnancy, drinking alcohol can raise the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature (early) birth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), as well as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). 

Alcohol can also change your behavior. Drinking too much can put you and others at risk for:

• Accidents, violence, and injuries
• Unsafe sexual activity

Learn more about the risks of drinking too much. 

What is alcohol use disorder?

If drinking causes problems in your life, you may have alcohol use disorder (sometimes called alcoholism). 

You may have alcohol use disorder if any of these things are true:

• You can’t control how much or how often you drink
• You need to drink more and more to feel the effects
• You feel anxious, irritable, or stressed when you aren’t drinking
• You find yourself thinking a lot about when you can drink next 
• Alcohol is causing problems with your work, relationships, or health

Certain health problems — like depression or anxiety, sleep problems, and chronic pain — can put you at a higher risk for alcohol use disorder. People who have alcohol use disorder are also more likely to experience these health problems.

Talk with your doctor right away if you have signs of alcohol use disorder — even if you don’t think they’re causing any problems in your life. There are many types of treatments that can help. See more signs of alcohol use disorder. 

Who shouldn't drink at all?

Don’t drink at all if you:

• Are pregnant or might be pregnant — alcohol can harm a developing baby
• Are younger than 21 years
• Take certain over-the-counter or prescription medicines — check medicine labels or ask your doctor or pharmacist if it’s safe to drink while taking your medicines 
• Are recovering from alcohol use disorder or can’t control how much you drink
• Have a health condition that can get worse if you drink (such as liver disease or high blood pressure)
• Plan to drive or do other activities that require skill, coordination, and alertness (like using sharp tools or cooking on a stove)

Here are some strategies to help you cut back or stop drinking.

Keep track of your drinking.

Keeping track of each drink may help you drink less overall. These drinking tracker cards can help. You can also make notes in your smartphone to keep track of your drinks.

Set goals.

Decide how many days a week you'll drink and how much you'll drink on those days. For men, try not to have more than 2 drinks a day. For women, try not to have more than 1 drink a day. It’s also a good idea to have some days when you don’t drink at all.

Remember, drinking less is better for your health than drinking more.

Learn new skills to help you change your drinking patterns.

Planning ahead can help you manage situations when you might be tempted to drink too much. Think ahead about how to say “no” if someone offers you a drink.

Read about skills that can help you limit or avoid drinking:

• Learn how to resist social pressure to drink
• Practice these strategies to handle an urge to drink

Find healthy ways to manage stress.

If you have a bad day or are feeling angry, don’t reach for a drink. Try taking a walk, calling a friend, or seeing a movie. Get tips to help you manage stress.

Avoid places where people drink a lot.

Stay away from bars and other places that may make you want to drink.

Limit the amount of alcohol you keep at home.

If you keep a lot of alcohol around, you may be tempted to go over the drinking limit you set for yourself when you’re at home.

Make a list of reasons not to drink.

Make a list of reasons to drink less or quit. Keep this list in your wallet, on your fridge, or in an app on your phone. Look at it when you have an urge to drink.

If you want to lose weight or save money, use these calculators to:

• See how many calories are in your drinks
• Find out how much money you are spending on alcohol

If you think you might be drinking too much, ask for help.

Ask your friends and loved ones to support you. Talk with a doctor or nurse if you’re having a hard time cutting back on your drinking.

Get treatment.

There are effective treatments for alcohol use disorder. Doctors can treat it with talk therapy, medicine, or both. Learn about different treatments for alcohol use disorder.

If one type of treatment doesn’t work for you, you can try another. Don’t give up!

To get help with alcohol use disorder:

• Find a doctor or treatment program near you
• Call 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) for information about treatment
• Use this tool to explore treatment options

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover alcohol misuse screening and counseling. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.  

Medicare may also cover alcohol-related services at no cost. If you have Medicare, learn about Medicare coverage for alcohol misuse screening and counseling. 

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost help for alcohol misuse. Find a health center near you and ask about alcohol misuse screening and counseling.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for adults covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 1.9 MB]
• Costs and insurance for alcohol misuse treatment

Are you worried about a loved one’s drinking?

Alcohol use can be a sensitive subject to talk about, but it’s important. Try using these tips to talk with someone about cutting back or quitting drinking.

Nine out of 10 Americans eat more sodium (salt) than they need. Eating too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which may raise your risk of heart attack and stroke.

The good news is that cutting down on sodium can help lower your blood pressure and keep your heart healthy.

Use these tips to help lower the amount of sodium in your diet. Try making just 1 or 2 changes at a time.

Know your sodium limit.

Ask your doctor how much sodium is okay for you. The general guidance for sodium limits is:

• Adults and teens age 14 years and older: no more than 2,300 mg (milligrams) a day
• Children ages 9 to 13 years: no more than 1,800 mg a day
• Children ages 4 to 8 years: no more than 1,500 mg a day
• Children ages 1 to 3 years: no more than 1,200 mg a day

Shop for lower-sodium foods.

Most of the sodium we eat doesn’t come from our salt shakers. Sodium is in almost all the processed and prepared foods we buy — even foods that don’t taste salty, like bread or tortillas.

When you’re shopping, limit these foods that are high in sodium or look for low-sodium versions:

• Processed meats, like deli meats (including turkey), sausages, and pepperoni
• Sauces, dressings, and condiments
• Instant flavored foods, like flavored rice and noodles

Use this shopping list to find lower-sodium foods at the grocery store.

Check the label.

Use the Nutrition Facts label to check the amount of sodium in foods and compare different options.

• Try to choose products with 5% Daily Value (DV) or less — 20% DV or more is high
• Look for foods labeled “low sodium” or “no salt added” — but keep in mind that some lower-sodium foods don’t have those labels, so you’ll need to check the Nutrition Facts label to be sure

Learn how to use the Nutrition Facts label to check for sodium.

Make healthy shifts.

Swap out foods that are higher in sodium for healthier options. You can:

• Snack on unsalted nuts instead of salted pretzels or chips
• Try cooking fresh or frozen chicken, lean meats, or seafood instead of buying deli meats or sausages
• Go for fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables without sauce, or canned vegetables with lower sodium

Get more ideas for healthy shifts and other tips for eating less sodium [PDF – 881 KB].

Cook more at home.

Making your own meals is a great way to eat less sodium because you’re in control of what goes into your food. Try these tips when you cook:

• If you use canned foods, rinse them before eating or cooking with them to wash away some of the salt
• Choose condiments and spreads that are unsalted or lower in sodium — and if you use regular spreads, use less
• Try different herbs and spices to flavor your food, like ginger or garlic, instead of salt
• Take the salt shaker off your table

If you’re too busy to cook every night, start by making dinner just 1 night a week. Check out these healthy recipes with less sodium.

Get less salt when you eat out.

Try these tips when you eat out or get takeout:

• Ask if there are any lower-sodium dishes on the menu
• When you order, ask them not to add salt to your food
• Get dressings and sauces on the side so you can add only as much as you need

Add more potassium to your diet.

Replace high-sodium foods with high-potassium foods. Eating foods with potassium can help lower your blood pressure.

Good sources of potassium include:

• Potatoes
• Cantaloupe
• Bananas
• Beans
• Milk
• Yogurt

Learn more about potassium.

Not all stress is bad. But too much stress, or feeling stressed for a long time, can lead to health problems.

Preventing and managing stress can lower your risk for other conditions — like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression.

You can prevent or reduce stress by:

• Planning ahead 
• Deciding which tasks to do first
• Preparing for stressful events
• Thinking about whether there are ways to solve ongoing problems that are causing you stress
• Limiting your contact with stressors if you can — like by taking breaks from the news or social media or avoiding situations that cause you stress

But some stress is hard to avoid, so it’s important to find healthy ways to manage your stress when it does happen. Healthy ways to manage stress include:

• Noticing signs of stress in your mind and body
• Taking time to relax
• Getting active, eating healthy, and sticking to a sleep routine
• Taking time for yourself to do things you enjoy
• Talking to friends and family
• Seeking help from a doctor or mental health professional if managing stress on your own is difficult

Read more about ways to prevent and manage stress:

• Learn to manage stress
• Managing stress
• Get enough sleep

What are the signs of stress?

When you're under stress, you may feel:

• Worried
• Angry
• Irritable
• Depressed
• Unable to focus

Stress also affects your body. Physical signs of stress include:

• Headaches
• Changes in blood pressure 
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Upset stomach
• Weight gain or loss
• Tense muscles

Stress can also lead to a weakened immune system (the system in the body that fights infections), which could make you more likely to get sick. 

Stress is different for everyone. Take this quiz to better understand your stress.