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Nobody likes to consider the possibility that there might be something wrong with them or that their bodies may not be working as well as they should be. However, no good can come from burying your head in the sand, especially when it comes to your health.
While the concept of preventative healthcare is nothing new, due to more recent advances in the healthcare industry, medical professionals have a better understanding of diseases and infections than ever before. This means that the more attention you pay to your health, the more likely you are to lead a long and healthy life.
So, what exactly is preventative healthcare, and how can you embrace it? Let’s take a closer look.
What is preventative healthcare?
In its simplest form, preventative healthcare is the application of healthcare measures to prevent diseases from occurring. This typically involves routine healthcare such as screenings, check-ups, and patient counseling to help prevent illnesses, diseases, and other health problems.
Preventative healthcare also includes any recommended vaccinations, such as ones for measles, polio, and meningitis.
Who can benefit from preventative healthcare?
Preventative healthcare can be beneficial for everyone including children. However, as chronic diseases are most common in people aged between 40-70, it is better to take a preventative healthcare approach before you reach this age.
Why is it important to know your family health history?
If a close relative, such as your mother, father, or sibling, has a health condition like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, you are considered to have a family history of that condition. This means that you are more at risk than someone who does not have a family history of that condition.
By knowing about your family health history, you can take steps to lower your risk of developing certain conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Most notably, your doctor can arrange for any relevant screenings that you could benefit from.
It can also enable you to become more informed about conditions that you may be at risk of. For example, if you find out that you have a family history of leukemia, you can research common leukemia signs.
What types of tests and screenings are part of preventative care?
As part of a preventative healthcare plan, there are lots of different tests and screenings that you are likely to be offered. These include:
- Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
- Screenings for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical and prostate cancer
- Immunizations such as annual flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines
Final thoughts
There is no doubt that prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to your health. If you would like to take a more preventative approach to your health, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with your doctor or physician.
Ask them about any screenings or tests that they think may be beneficial for you, discuss your current lifestyle and, if necessary, any changes that you could make, and make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations.
