One troubling fact in healthcare is that many people receive most of their care in the emergency room, which could have been prevented with vaccinations, early interventions, or other forms of preventative care Haverford. Unfortunately, few people regularly take advantage of available care since education about preventive health is fairly limited. Preventive care is intended to help you stay healthy; it is any medical service that minimizes the risk of medical emergencies in the future. For example, regular screening for diseases allows your doctor to provide prompt treatment, reducing the risk of life-threatening conditions. Below are some of the most impactful preventive care measures.
Diabetes screening
Diabetes is a common long-term health problem in the United States, affecting over 100 million Americans. It is characterized by high blood sugar, which, when left unresolved, can result in complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, and vision loss. During its early stages, diabetes hardly causes any symptoms, so many people living with diabetes do not know they have this condition. But with early detection of prediabetes, minimally invasive treatments such as lifestyle changes in diet and physical activity are enough to reverse the condition.
STI screenings
Sexually transmitted diseases are common yet largely preventable. However, because some infections cause no symptoms, many people with an STI do not know they have an illness and may spread it to others without knowing. If you are sexually active, getting screened for STIs is one of the best ways to protect good health. Unfortunately, because of social stigma, many people often shy away from taking an STI screening; however, if left untreated, sexually transmitted infections can lead to poor health outcomes, including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, cervical cancer, and congenital infections in infants of infected mothers.
Mental health screenings
Mental health screening allows your healthcare provider to catch mental health problems early and offer appropriate intervention. A mental health screening helps your doctor establish whether you are at risk of developing a mental health disorder or need more testing to diagnose or rule out a mental health problem.
Examples of some of the leading mental health issues include anxiety and depression, which, when left untreated, can have devastating consequences for an individual and the community. Fortunately, these conditions are treatable with medication, talk therapy, or both.
Blood pressure tests
According to experts, adults should get a blood pressure screening every three to five years and annually for individuals over 40. Blood pressure tests are essential screening methods that can reduce the incidents of heart failure, strokes, and coronary artery disease.
Cancer screening
There are different cancer screenings, but the most common ones include colonoscopies and mammograms. Mammograms take about 20 minutes and can detect breast cancer earlier when the chance of successful treatment is high and before the cancer spreads to other body areas. Early detection and treatment help most women survive breast cancer.
Colonoscopies show early signs of colon or rectal cancer, and like breast cancer, successful treatment often depends on early detection of the disease. However, colonoscopy screens for colorectal cancer and other tests such as stool or CT colonography may be more appropriate depending on an individual’s risk factors.
Consult your doctor at LSR Wellness to know the form of preventative care service that may benefit you.
