It's important for people to receive the vaccinations their doctor recommends. Not only do they help prevent people from becoming ill, they also help stop disease from spreading.

Vaccination rates have been reported to be particularly high in Rhode Island. In fact, the state ranks second in the country for teen immunization rates. While the statistics are promising, chief of the office of immunization Patricia Raymond says they are trying to give people easy access to important vaccinations.

"This year, for the first time, we are offering the seasonal flu vaccine to students at school-based vaccination clinics and through our vaccinate before you graduate program," says Raymond. "We want to offer as many opportunities as possible to get vaccinated and stay healthy."

Some people have steered away from vaccines out of fear of potential side effects. Most side effects include soreness, redness and swelling. While uncommon, some people can have severe reactions so it's important for patients to apprise their doctor completely on their medical history. In the future, whether someone receives benefits through a group or an individual health insurance plan, preventative care will be covered.

With healthcare costs rising, people are being forced to make more decisions about their own coverage and how they will pay for it. This holds true for those who have both group and individual health insurance plans.

The Utah Department of Health recently completed a survey and found there is a disparity between medical claims between the healthy and sick. Last year, healthy Utah residents cost $385 a year whereas those who were classified as unhealthy cost $1,764 annually.

UDOH epidemiologist Carol Masheter says taking proper care of one's self from the start can help prevent more expensive conditions from arising.

"As consumers take on more responsibility for their own health and the cost of that care, reports like this can provide helpful information about where to spend scarce dollars," says Masheter. "If we spend our health care money on annual checkups and other preventive care, we'll likely save money down the road."

People can maintain good health by making sure they eat a balanced diet and get plenty of exercise. Furthermore, practicing good hygiene by washing hands and covering one's cough can help avoid some illnesses.