Every year, we reset at the New Year and make investments and take risks. Whether we commit to saving more, starting a new job, or engaging in a fitness routine - we create goals, consciously.

But why do we dismiss the ability to make an investment in our health care? Why not take proactive steps to being a healthier you now and in the future? Sure, life gets in the way, but as a mom to a three-year old who practically licks the walls at daycare and someone vulnerable to catching every bug that floats around, we must start somewhere.

Case in point. My little person and I have been sick with flu-like symptoms for nearly 5-weeks. We have been to urgent care, on antibiotics, and received our flu shots in October. It has certainly been exhausting but our main goal was family health. Even though the flu vaccine is reported to be up to 60 percent effective, this is a no brainer for our family. Why take the risk? With one of the worst flu seasons across the country, we want to protect ourselves and others.

Now it’s your turn. Here are a few tools I follow to keep my health care in check.

• Commit to making health care a priority. Schedule an annual physical to check-in and see how things are going. Millennials and husbands, this includes you.
• Act on the feedback you receive. Yes, health care can sometimes produce an unwelcome outcome. By design, providers are here to support you, give you access to resources, and follow-up to make sure you are on track.
• Respect yourself. Self-love is one of the hardest things to do. Take small steps and focus on what is realistic. This can be as easy as staying home when you are sick so you can focus on YOU.
• Encourage others to do the same. Behaviors influence us rather quickly in a digital culture, oftentimes coming from people we do not know. Use this platform as an opportunity to spread the word and encourage your network to invest in their health care.

Your ability to put yourself first, and focus on what matters will be your path to success. If you fail, try again. I can’t recall the number of times I wanted to make this a priority, and sadly I will admit, it took some life-altering health events to get with the program, but I did it.

Immunize Nevada reminds you that if you're reading this post, and haven't yet gotten a flu shot, it's not too late! You can visit https://vaccinefinder.org/ to find a location near you.

Photo credit: Max Pixel