Preventative care is a vital part of staying healthy, and it’s something that should be a top priority for everyone. By engaging in preventive care measures, you can reduce your risk of developing serious health problems. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the key reasons preventative care is so critical, and we’ll also provide ways to practice preventative care if you’re not sure where to start.
Reasons for Preventative Care
Preventative care is one of the most important aspects of healthcare. It can help people stay healthy and avoid developing costly and severe health problems. Here are some reasons why preventive care matters so much:
Improves Your Health in the Long Term
One of the most important reasons to prioritize preventative care is that it can improve your health in the long term. Preventative care measures such as screenings can help catch health problems early when they’re often much more treatable. In some cases, preventive care and vaccines can even help prevent health problems from developing in the first place.
For example, research has shown that getting vaccinated against HPV can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. In addition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), screenings for colorectal cancer can also help catch this disease early.
Increases Lifespan
Another reason to focus on preventative care is that it can help you live longer. A large body of research has shown that preventative care measures can increase lifespan and reduce the risk of premature death.
One study found that people who received a flu vaccine reduced their risk of death from influenza. Other studies show that lifesaving vaccines have been used for over 100 years in America and have doubled the life expectancy in that time.
Avoid High Medical Expenses
In addition to improving your health and helping you live longer, preventative care can also save you money in the long run. This is because catching health problems early, before they become serious, can help avoid expensive medical treatments down the road.
Chronic diseases that may be prevented through preventative care services account for 75% of national health spending and reduce economic output by $260 billion each year, according to the CDC. If everyone in the country received adequate clinical attention, the healthcare system could save over 100,000 lives every year.
Ways to Practice Preventative Care
There are many different ways to practice preventative care. Some preventative measures, such as screenings, should be done on a regular basis. Others, such as weight management and lifestyle changes, should be practiced throughout your life.
Here are some specific ways to practice preventative care:
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is an integral part of preventative care. This is because being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
There are many different ways to manage your weight, including eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your doctor about a weight loss plan that’s right for you.
Mental Health Screenings
Mental health is an essential part of overall health, and it’s something that should be evaluated on a regular basis. Mental health check-ups can help catch problems early before they become serious.
There are many different types of mental health screenings, but some common ones include tests for depression, anxiety, and stress. These assessments can be done by a mental health professional or your primary care doctor.
Physical Health Screenings
There are many different types of physical health examinations, but some common ones include screening for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Again, most screenings can be done by your primary care doctor or at a local clinic.
Vaccinations
Vaccines are an essential part of preventative care. They help protect you from serious diseases, including the flu, diphtheria, and measles.
Some vaccines only require a few doses, while others should be given on a regular basis, according to the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule.
Wellness Exams
Wellness exams are another essential aspect of preventative care. They help you and your doctor keep track of your overall health. During a wellness exam, your doctor will likely check your blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol levels. You will also probably have a chance to discuss any concerns you have about your health.
Lifestyle Changes
Making healthy lifestyle choices is a vital part of life and preventative care. You can make many different lifestyle changes to improve your health, including changing to a healthy diet, exercising more often, and quitting smoking.
Conclusion
Preventative care is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It improves your health in the long term and increases your lifespan, and helps avoid high medical expenses. There are many ways to practice preventive care, and we’ve outlined some of the most important ones in this article. We hope this information helps, and although it can be hard to make big lifestyle changes, the benefits to your well-being and overall health are undeniable. If you need help getting started, contact us and schedule an appointment!