Cholesterol — Fat lodged in your arteries could sooner or later cause a heart attack or stroke. Reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, and get moving. If diet and physical activity alone don’t get those numbers down, then medication may be the next step. Take any medication just the way the doctor orders. Ideally, your total cholesterol should be below 200.

Blood pressure — It’s the single largest risk factor for stroke. Stroke is the No. 3 killer and one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. Stroke recovery is difficult at best, and you could be disabled for Life. Reducing your salt intake is one of the best things you can do at home to help control your blood pressure, along with taking your medications as recommended by your doctor, and getting some exercise. Your blood pressure numbers need to be around 120/80 (or numbers your doctor recommends).

Colorectal cancer — “Colon” cancer is the No. 2 cause of cancer deaths in the United States. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular cancer screenings for people over age 50 can reduce deaths by as much as 60%. You may be at risk for colorectal cancer even if you have no history of the disease in your family or no obvious symptoms, such as a change in bowel habits or blood in the stool. People over age 50 are at the greatest risk for colon cancer.

Prostate cancer — In 2008, more than 186,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 28,000 men died from the disease. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, one new case occurs every 2.5 minutes and a man dies from prostate cancer every 19 minutes. Because approximately 90% of all prostate cancers are detected in the early stages, the cure rate for prostate cancer is very high — nearly 100% of men diagnosed at an early stage will be disease-free after five years. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and any urinary symptoms you may have. He or she may recommend additional testing and/or blood work.

Lung cancer — Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men — mostly due to cigarette smoking, according to the American Cancer Society. To prevent cancer, don’t smoke or use other tobacco products, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, include physical activity in your daily routine, maintain a healthy weight, and eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It’s also best to avoid high-fat foods, drink alcohol in moderation or not at all, limit your sun exposure and use sunscreen, and reduce your contact with potential cancer-causing substances such as radon, asbestos, radiation, and air pollution.

Diabetes — According to the American Diabetes Association, 54 million adults have prediabetes (blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes). Most of them will develop type 2 diabetes in less than 10 years — unless they take the steps necessary to prevent it. Diabetes is a chronic health condition that requires daily care and, if not cared for properly, can cause permanent damage to your eyes, kidneys, nervous system, and heart. Help lower your risk of diabetes by eating healthier, getting exercise, and losing weight.