Why the Flu Shot Matters More Than Ever

After years of navigating public health recommendations, it's completely natural to feel some vaccine fatigue – a sense of weariness to keep up with vaccinations due to pandemic burnout, information overload or confusion. But the truth is that the flu is still a serious threat. Staying protected matters for you and those around you. According to the Associated Press, this past flu season was the most severe we’ve seen in over 15 years[1]. The CDC[2] estimates that the flu led to: 47 million illnesses 610,000 hospitalizations 27,000 deaths While the CDC hasn’t yet released exact numbers on how many illnesses and hospitalizations were prevented by the flu vaccine this season, we know from past years that vaccination can make a big difference. What can we do? The CDC recommends[3] that everyone 6 months and older gets a flu shot each [...]

Understanding the Importance of Preventive Care

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, [...]