Preventative care aims to prevent health concerns from developing. Often, early detection of health concerns, specifically for those that are not always preventable, is also considered preventative care. Medical clinics offer special services to help patients prevent health concerns rather than simply reacting to them once more severe symptoms develop.
COMMON TYPES OF PREVENTATIVE CARE FROM A MEDICAL CLINIC
There are more than a dozen possible preventative care services that medical clinics may provide, and the specific list of services looks different for every clinic. However, three common types of preventative care that medical professionals and clinics offer are annual physical exams, cancer screenings, and vaccinations.
ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMS
An annual physical exam measures and monitors weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, reflexes, vital signs, and more in search of any abnormalities in the test results. The hope is for positive results so that the patient can know that they are in good health and on the right track to reduce the risk of health concerns as much as possible.
However, if any concerns develop, then an annual exam can often allow for a less invasive treatment and prevention plan. For example, a patient with high blood pressure who has also gained weight may benefit from an increased workout regimen and a stricter diet. As the name suggests, annual physical exams are encouraged once each year, although some patients may need check-up exams more often depending on the status of their health.
CANCER SCREENINGS
Depending on your age, lifestyle factors, medical history, and hereditary conditions, some patients may be at a higher risk of cancer. After an assessment, medical clinics may recommend certain cancer screenings. For example, it is recommended to have a colonoscopy (a screening for colon cancer) by the age of 45 and approximately every five to ten years after the first screening if there are no signs of concern. Other types of cancer screenings include mammograms, oral cancer screenings, and screenings for lung cancer, among many other possible options.
VACCINATIONS
Routine vaccinations are also a type of preventative care offered by many medical clinics. This includes annual flu shots as well as any vaccinations the patient did not receive as a child. The coronavirus vaccination is also encouraged for those who have not yet received it.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTATIVE CARE
Taking a precautionary approach to health is a much more effective long-term strategy than reacting to illnesses and diseases after they develop. Preventative care ensures that the risk of developing certain conditions is minimized and allows for early intervention if any symptoms are detected or if the patient is diagnosed with a condition.
CONTACT OUR MEDICAL CLINIC TO SCHEDULE A PREVENTATIVE CARE VISIT
You can connect with our medical clinic team by giving us a call during office hours or by sending us a message at any time. We believe the best way to deal with medical concerns is through early detection and prevention when possible. So why wait? Give us a call today.
