It is easy to put off going to the doctor until you feel sick or think something may be wrong. However, keeping up with preventive care allows you to maintain current health and discover any issues before they become significant conditions or emergencies. Preventive care is key to preserving your health and wellness as you age.
What is Preventive Care?
Preventive care consists of routine visits and screenings with your doctor to create health baselines and monitor for changes or conditions. This regularly scheduled care will help assess and manage risk factors and can even prevent disease. Participating in preventive care increases the chances of diagnosing conditions before they become a problem requiring extensive treatment or care. According to News Medical Life Sciences, “current estimates indicate that nearly 80% of chronic medical conditions could be prevented by healthy lifestyle behaviors, with about 63% of deaths likely caused by chronic diseases attributed to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.” These statistics show how beneficial prevention can be, but unfortunately, only around 8% of Americans partake in it (News Medical Life Sciences).
Types of Preventive Care
Preventive care comes in various forms, and each can be beneficial for different reasons. Annual wellness visits with a primary care provider are necessary for routine bloodwork and screenings. They also help establish personal health history with baselines to address any issues that arise quickly. Vaccines are also part of preventive care. Whether preparing for the flu season or traveling abroad, you should talk with your doctor about specific vaccine recommendations. Screenings that are age, genetic, and gender-specific are encouraged for adequate prevention. These screenings can include, but are not limited to, cancer, cardiovascular, and metabolic conditions. University Hospitals has compiled a guide of recommended screenings based on your age and gender. Following these screenings can lead to early detection and prevention. Finally, preventive health counseling can be a helpful piece of your care routine. Meeting regularly with a health professional, such as a wellness coach, dietitian, or personal trainer, can provide assistance, education, and encouragement as you work towards building a healthier lifestyle.
Don’t Forget About Eyes and Teeth
Preventive care doesn’t stop with your primary care doctor. Routine appointments for eyes and teeth are just as meaningful. The frequency of eye visits will likely depend on your vision and care recommendations from your provider. Regular dental exams are encouraged for ongoing cleaning and monitoring. Preventive dental care can prevent and identify any issues early.
What Preventive Care is Right for Me?
Several factors determine the appropriate care for each individual. Many screenings are recommended based on age and gender. Family or personal health history may require early, additional, or more frequent screenings. Talk with your doctor to determine the right approach. Building a relationship with your care team and attending your scheduled appointments are integral for personalizing your preventive care plan. As Benjamin Franklin stated, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
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