There is an old saying that goes, “Prevention is better than cure”. A better one says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. As far as healthcare is concerned, this adage is quite true. Our bodies require constant maintenance and improvement and this can only be achieved if attention is given to preventative care on a consistent basis.
It is also essential to take heed of the doctor’s warnings. These are two key ingredients for anyone looking to remain healthy. Periodic check-ups and examinations are key to avoiding crucial health complications because they give you and your doctor the opportunity to achieve your personal health goals.
Understanding Preventative Care
Preventative healthcare, also known as preventative medicine, is a branch of medicine that works by taking specific measures to prevent illnesses. This is different from the treatment of ailments after one is unwell. Most people are unaware that disease and disability are progressive processes and start long before they you’re aware that you have been stricken. Preventative care puts the spotlight on your health and the implementation of a standard health status. Immunizations and vaccines are forms of preventative healthcare. In order to prevent illnesses, individuals also go for physical examinations and laboratory tests. They are also subjected to X-rays and health screenings that are relevant to medicine.
When you visit the doctor for preventative appointments, the physician will find tests and screenings that are suitable for you. This will depend on a number of factors. Your age and gender are vital to the examination, as is the condition of your general health. The doctor will also consider your personal medical history and symptoms, if any. It’s important in preventative care to know your chronic health situation. During preventative healthcare, the doctor provides counselling to help avert health complications.
A good example of preventative healthcare includes services such as getting your blood pressure checked, screening for diabetes and having cholesterol tests done. You can also go for cancer screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies. Pregnant women can get vaccinated, screened, and receive counselling, as a form of preventative care.
The Importance of Check-ups
It can be easy to disregard the importance of health check-ups because many people assume that this is not necessary, unless, a specific health complication has been identified. There are a number of reasons why health check-up is key to a healthy living. Firstly, check-ups are the only way to determine whether there is a possibility of a specific health problem. Secondly, if there is a health condition and it is identified early, it can be prevented. The condition can also be managed at its early stages and this will go a long way in enhancing the patient’s quality of life. Most cancer patients will survive at stage one, but the percentage of survivors drop in stage two. This is a clear indicator that early identification is of immense significance.
Routine check-ups give your doctor the opportunity to determine if there are any health conditions. Should the doctor find any health condition, they will determine the way forward and recommend a treatment plan. The doctor will also provide you with information that will help avert any health complications in future. Most people might be tempted to avoid check-ups because they think that the doctor’s bill will be expensive. On the contrary in the long run, check-ups can help avoid huge medical bills. This is because they help in reducing health complications in the future. They also help decrease the possibility of surgery or a more comprehensive form of medical attention in the future.
Health check-ups are important because they help individuals know their bodies and mind better. Today, many people stress and the anxiety rate is on the rise. We live in a world where the level of pollution and contamination is increasing day by day. Every day, different viral infections are coming up and there is a need to have a plan to prevent any ailments from progressing. If you have a body that is susceptible to illness, it helps to determine if this is the case so that your doctor can recommend a plan for deterrence and treatment.
The Three Levels of Preventative Care
Preventative care is available in three forms and all are valuable elements in the preventive care and the maintenance of health. This is known as primary prevention undertaken to help prevent illnesses that an individual is likely to suffer from. Another form of prevention is known as, secondary prevention that deals with the process of determining risk factors for illnesses. When irregular results are found, adequate measures are put in place to prohibit serious illnesses from evolving and advancing. The third is known as tertiary prevention which is a method used for the advancement of an individual’s health once a complication has been identified.
Advantages of Preventative Health Care Offers
By far, one major advantage for check-ups is financial. The costs of healthcare are lowered to a very high degree when health checks are done annually. A good example is when you visit your doctor and he recommends a dosage of vitamins. This can help prevent numerous ailments starting from small problems, such as, colds to worse conditions like heart problems. By visiting your doctor regularly, your quality of life is improved because certain sicknesses are prevented. Sometimes when you go for regular check-ups, your doctor might identify some conditions and when treated early, these will help in proper treatment. With the right recommendation, you will be productive and won’t lose any time. The doctor will also recommend what to avoid and help you make important lifestyle choices that will help you avoid health complications. There is no doubt that preventative healthcare is important and taking time to go to a doctor for regular health checks can help save your life.
People have realized the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and with that, they now know the need for regular health check-ups and preventive health care. Make sure that you always have a good doctor and an insurance policy to help you out on your journey to a healthy life!
