The Purpose of Preventative Healthcare

Each year, millions of people die from preventative deaths. Leading causes include cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes and infectious disease. People also die from the effects of inactive lifestyle and poor diet as well as poor lifestyle choices.

The purpose of a routine healthcare exam is to take measures for disease prevention, with the goal to avoid or delay the onset of disease and the need for disease treatment. Although genetics and environmental factors play an active role in the health and wellbeing of all people, quality of life and longevity can be directly impacted in a positive manner by engaging in healthcare maintenance and screening on a regular basis.

Current recommendations state that adults and children should aim to visit their doctor for regular check-ups, even if they feel healthy, to perform disease screening, identify risk factors for disease, discuss tips for a healthy and balanced lifestyle, stay up to date with immunizations and boosters, and maintain a good relationship with their healthcare provider.

Some common disease screenings for adults include checking for hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar, a risk factor for diabetes mellitus), hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol), screening for colorectal cancer, depression, mammography (to screen for breast cancer),  a pap test for women (to check for cervical cancer), screening for prostate cancer in men and screening for osteoporosis.

The common screenings for children vary depending on the age of the child. Health screenings will include review of developmental stages, hypertension and obesity screening, BMI calculation, as well as vision and hearing screening. Older children will be checked for the physical changes associated with puberty and screened closely for emotional wellness, safety and high risk behaviors.

Common opinion among medical professionals and healthcare agencies is that all adults and children see their primary care provider on an annual basis.  Children under the age of five are seen more frequently due to the need for close monitoring of developmental milestones and general wellness.

If you have not seen your primary care provider for a routine healthcare exam recently, please call your doctor today to schedule your physical exam.  Premier Health Associates offers convenient times, including evening and Saturday appointments to help you fit this commitment to good health into your busy lifestyle.