You may eat all the right foods, take part in physical activity regularly and avoid risky behaviors such as smoking, but did you know how crucial preventive medicine can be to your overall health?

Begin by learning your family history. Do certain conditions and diseases run in your family? If so, you’ll want to make sure you receive required screenings and learn to identify symptoms early on. Having a family history of a particular condition or disease does not mean you will definitely develop it as well, but it means that you could be at an increased risk. For more information on understanding your family hisotry, visit the Centers for Disease Control Web site .

Next, understand your own body. Do you know your cholesterol levels or your blood pressure? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publishes screening tests and immunization guidelines   for both men and women. These guidelines cover a range of topics for various age categories.

In addition to the numerous classes that the city offers that help you get physical and eat right, a number of preventive activities are also offered. For example, local senior centers such as Las Vegas Senior Center and the Doolittle Center offer free blood pressure checks for those age 50 and over. An upcoming dental event offers free checkups for those age 50 and over. Also, the city offers wellness fairs that are scheduled throughout the year at various locations. These fairs offer free screenings for body fat, glucose levels, blood pressure and vision. Vaccinations such as flu shots are also offered for a fee.

For more information on the preventive services offered by the city, visit the city’s recreation and cultural events calendar page.