In recent years health care costs have gone through the roof, making even a simple procedure a nightmare for patients and the private health care companies that cover them. Most of us have probably been frustrated about forking over hundreds or even thousands of dollars to a provider for something that could have been prevented had it been caught sooner. Now, with Aetna, you can catch those minor ailments that turn into a big deal and prevent healthcare "black holes."

As a health insurance provider, Aetna recognizes the need to get personal on their website. They're using specific interactive programs to help patients manage everything from high cholesterol to cancer. Here's how it works. Clients log on to aetnanavigator.com and fill out a short - yet comprehensive - assessment that encompasses their disease history, recent test results, general health, stress levels, and answers to questions like "what SPF sunscreen do you use while having fun in the sun?" After filling out the survey, clients receive a percentage rating of how likely, according to their current lifestyle, they are to run into various health problems.

From there, Aetna gets down to business. Each client's health information is compiled into a specialized home page that features links to specific resources to help improve weak areas. Perhaps the best aspect of this site is the "Simple Steps" program, a program that has several tailored, six-week plans accompanied by specific personal goals. Simple Steps asks you about your diet and exercise practices, and then generates specific workouts and a seven-day meal plan complete with the recipes and nutritional value. Aetna members have a constant aid, an online dietician, nurse, and personal trainer in one; helping them save money and lead a healthier life. Many healthcare providers are beginning to follow Aetna's innovative idea, realizing the benefits of placing patients first. In addition to the Aetna navigator service, clients can find drug information, change their provider, make comments on doctors, and read reviews on a variety of hospitals. Aetna is putting the patient in a position to lead a healthier, more cost-effective life. By showing they care about your personal health, Aetna is making a difference that benefits both clients and providers. Their policy stands: when it comes to costs for the patient and provider, prevention always beats intervention!