When it comes to health, many of us focus on what to do when something goes wrong – like scheduling a doctor’s visit when we feel sick. However, some of the most critical steps toward long-term wellness occur before illness even begins.

Preventive care and routine screenings are designed to help you stay healthy, catch potential issues early and give you peace of mind about your health.

What is preventive care?

Preventive care is the healthcare you receive to help you stay well and reduce your chances of getting sick. It’s a proactive approach that includes everyday health choices, as well as medical services and screenings. Examples of preventive care include:

• Annual wellness visits to check your overall health.
• Immunizations that protect you from infectious diseases.
• Routine blood tests to monitor things like cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Cancer screenings to detect disease in its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Preventive eye and dental care to stop problems before they progress.

Why preventive care matters

Preventive care can help reduce health risks and give you the tools you need to manage your health more effectively.

Some key benefits of preventive care include:

• Early detection. Screenings often identify conditions before symptoms appear, when treatments are more effective and less invasive.
• Longer lifespan. Preventing disease or catching it early can add years to your life.
• Improved quality of life. Staying ahead of health issues helps you feel your best, both physically and mentally.
• Lower healthcare costs. Preventive care may seem like an extra step, but it can reduce the need for costly hospital stays or advanced treatments later.
• Peace of mind. Knowing you’re keeping up with screenings can reassure you that you’re on the right track.

What your family health history can tell you

Your family health history plays a big role in determining which preventive steps you should take. If chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes or heart disease run in your family, you may be at higher risk of developing them.

Start by talking to your relatives about your family’s health and writing down important details, such as:

• Major medical conditions and diagnoses
• Ages when diseases were diagnosed
• Causes of death and age at death
• Ethnic background

Share this information with your healthcare provider. Then, together, you can create a plan that includes any necessary lifestyle changes and health screenings to help prevent or detect diseases early.

Recommended health screenings

The health screenings you need will depend on your age, sex and other risk factors. Your healthcare provider will recommend what’s best for you, but here are some common examples:

• Blood pressure screening: Regular checks help catch high blood pressure, a leading risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Cholesterol screening: Adults should start at age 20, with regular follow-ups.
• Diabetes screening: Recommended for adults 45 and older, or earlier if you have risk factors like obesity or family history.
• Colorectal cancer screening: Colonoscopies or other tests typically begin at age 45, unless you have a family history of colon cancer.
• Mammograms and Pap tests: Mammograms usually start at age 40, unless there is a family history of breast cancer. Pap tests for cervical cancer begin at age 21.
• Lung cancer screening: For people with a history of smoking, annual screening of the lungs is recommended.

Preventive dental and eye care

Oral and vision health are essential parts of your overall wellness. Preventive dental care includes exams, cleanings and oral cancer screenings, as well as education on proper oral hygiene. Regular eye exams can help detect changes in vision and spot conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration before they progress.

Stay ahead with preventive care

Making preventive care a part of your life doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little planning, you can stay on track.

Preventive care is not just about avoiding illness – it’s about investing in your future. By keeping up with screenings, understanding your family history and collaborating with your healthcare provider, you’re taking significant steps to protect your health, enhance your quality of life and potentially even extend your lifespan.

For more information on resources provided by Healthy Humans Hendry-Glades please visit HealthierHendryGlades.org.