If you’re like most Americans, your health care costs continue to rise, taking an ever-larger share of your budget.

Putting aside the high cost of treating a health care emergency or paying for a high-cost surgery, the majority of most families’ bills can be attributed to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.

The following suggestions can help you take advantage of the health and wealth savings that come with a commitment to prevention:

• See your doctor annually to discuss and schedule recommended health screenings, immunizations, counseling sessions, and other preventive measures.

  Health screenings to discuss include those for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other potential health problems that may run in your family. Finding and treating chronic conditions early improve outcomes and lower costs.

  Substance abuse, depression, stress, and weight issues also should be addressed. If your physician doesn’t bring them up, be sure you raise any concerns you might have.

  Take notes during the appointment and make sure you follow any recommendations your doctor gives you regarding your diet, level of physical activity, stress management, and other self-care issues. Then be sure to schedule any tests and follow-up visits, as needed.

• Commit to reducing your risk factors for serious conditions. Some risk factors for chronic conditions, such as age or family history, can’t be changed. However, studies have shown if every American led a healthy lifestyle, 80 percent of heart disease and diabetes could be avoided, as could 70 percent of strokes and more than 50 percent of cancer cases.

  These recommendations can reduce your risk for serious conditions:

  • Maintain a healthy weight. Shedding about 10 percent of your weight can help prevent the onset of diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
  • Get active. Besides keeping your weight in check, heart-pumping activity such as walking also can help prevent heart disease and high blood pressure.
  • Improve your diet. To minimize your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, eat low-fat meals that include lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread and brown rice.
  • Avoid tobacco. Doing so can help prevent cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, and heart attack.
  • Shield yourself from the sun. Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer.