Problem: As the country’s debate over health care rages on you’re feeling uneasy about those pricy doctor bills.

Solution: While we all worry about the future of healthcare in this country, the focus on our family’s heath should remain the same, says Dr. Erika Schwartz, Medical Director of Cinergy Health. The best thing you can to protect yourself and your loved ones is to practice prevention. “Prevention is not early diagnoses of disease,” says Dr. Schwartz. “Tests do not prevent anything, they diagnose what is already there.” True prevention comes from what you do at home. Her top tips? First, cut down on caffeine. I know, you need that morning latte, but drinking caffeine is like “running you car on empty, it revs you up, but drains you more,” she says. Next, toss that germy kitchen sponge. “It’s the biggest repository of bacteria in our homes.” Eat healthy, remembering that every time you put something in your mouth, you are deciding your own fate. And finally, quit smoking.