Planning ahead is important, whether deciding what to cook for tomorrow’s dinner or booking a vacation months ahead when prices are low. Preventative care is no different. Establishing good habits and adopting preventive care can accrue significant benefits and help people of all ages live happier, healthier lives. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, preventative care reduces the risk for diseases, disabilities, and death — yet millions of people in the United States don’t get recommended preventative health care services.
The primary goal of preventative care is to catch health conditions or diagnose diseases before they become more severe. Doctors use guidelines set by the U.S. Preventative Task Force to determine which screenings, treatments and lifestyle adjustments will be most beneficial, taking into account each person’s personal and family medical history. Regular checkups are vital because for many conditions, early detection improves outcomes.
What are the different types of preventative care?
There are many types of preventative care. ‘Health’ is a broad term, and staying healthy requires different things for different people. The most important thing is to visit the doctor regularly to ensure that they can make helpful recommendations.
Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle habits have a major impact on a person’s overall health, and lifestyle recommendations are a large part of preventative care. This can range from improving nutrition by including more fresh fruits and vegetables to more significant changes such as eliminating tobacco use and getting more physical exercise. While these may seem obvious, the advice of a doctor can be more specific and help create more detailed plans and goals for a healthier lifestyle.
Vaccines: The easiest way to avoid a disease is to get vaccinated against it. While the Covid-19 vaccine is receiving a lot of attention, many other vaccines can help protect from disease. The flu is common but can be especially dangerous as we age.
Screenings: Regular screening for health issues is a cornerstone of preventative care. Some of the recommended screenings for older adults include cancer screenings, as well as cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure measurements.
Medicare and most insurance plans cover the cost of regular checkups and preventative screenings. We can (and should) take advantage of the opportunity to get preventative care.
According to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, having a strong relationship with your primary care provider is crucial to getting the most out of each visit. Questions at doctor appointments play a significant role in good communication with your doctor, and can improve your understanding of your overall health and your medications.