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Fittest Loser Tip of the Week: Preventing sick days

When you're sick, you have to deal with visits to the doctor's office, bottles of medication and days in bed recovering. Wouldn't it be easier to just stay healthy in the first place? If you're not a fan of medication schedules and hospitals, you should consider the powerful role that preventive care can play in keeping you healthy.

The most important part of preventing disease and illness is healthy habits, including a balanced diet, sufficient sleep and enough exercise. Going to the doctor for recommended checkups and screenings is also a key factor in identifying and treating potential health problems before they develop or worsen. Recommendations vary depending on your age and gender, and sources such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer guidelines for various preventive screenings and tests.

Due to recent health care reform, you may be able to receive many preventive services at no cost. Non-grandfathered health plans are required to cover a variety of preventive services. Check out what's covered by your insurance and take advantage of preventive care that can keep you and your family healthy.

• Jill Micklow is a Wellness Consultant on the Employee Benefits team at Assurance, a Top 50 U.S. insurance brokerage headquartered in Schaumburg, IL. She brings Assurance's passion for "minimizing risk and maximizing health" to clients nationwide by helping identify specific health and wellness goals and then tailoring wellness programs for short and long-term success.

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