When it comes to health care, too many men wait until something feels wrong.

Yet the best time to address your health is before an illness or condition develops. That’s why a yearly checkup along with preventive screenings as recommended are so important. Preventive health can save you pain, discomfort and money. But it can also help ensure you don’t lose your ability to work, enjoy time outdoors, or do all the activities you love.

Many health conditions can be cured or better managed if caught earlier.

A good first step is to learn your family health history. Talk to your parents and/or siblings.

s there a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or cancer in your family?

When you visit your provider, let them know your full family history and ask how that might impact you.

When you develop a relationship with a primary care provider, they can answer your questions and make sure you get all your basics down, such as:

• A blood pressure check at least once a year

• A cholesterol check every four to six years, or more often if you have risk factors for heart disease

• Blood tests to check blood sugar, including fasting glucose and/or A1C tests every one to two years or as recommended by your provider

• Colon screening, recommended to begin at age 45

Your yearly checkup is a great time to ensure your prescriptions are all up to date and refilled, if needed. Ask your provider if you are caught up on your vaccinations, because that’s also a key aspect of preventive health. Ask for guidance if you have any new or ongoing symptoms.

Your overall health includes your mental health. If you struggle with anxiety, depression or addiction, a conversation with your provider can open the door to getting the level of help that’s right for you. Difficult times happen for all of us; ask your provider about healthy ways to cope and manage stress.

Better health means paying attention to good practices year around.

Eat better: Strive for moderate portion sizes that are satisfying, yet don’t leave you feeling too full. Make whole foods, rather than highly processed foods, the staples of your diet. Include fresh vegetables and fruits, along with whole grains and lean meats. Limit sugar intake including sugary beverages. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated for the entire day.

Stay active: Especially if you have a sedentary job or home life, strive for at least 150 minutes of activity each week. That can be as easy as taking a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week.

Sleep well: Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. If you’re not sleeping well, talk it over with your provider.

Watch your habits: If you drink, drink only in moderation, which is no more than two drinks per day for men. If you smoke, vape or use smokeless tobacco, consider quitting. Smoking is a risk factor for multiple serious conditions, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and more.

Let’s put an end to the idea that men leave their health to their moms, wives or girlfriends. We all need to own our health, and a good first step is a visit to your primary care provider each year.

— Debbie Streier is regional president/CEO, Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center