Could Preventive Medicine Save Your Life?

Preventive medicine helps patients live longer and healthier lives and to avoid life-threatening diseases. Unfortunately, preventive care is gravely underused. The fact that the top three leading causes of death in the United States (heart disease, cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease) can often be prevented is proof that people are not taking advantage of preventive medical help.

How can this unnecessary mortal danger be remedied? By seeking out preventive medicine and regular medical care.

According to the CDC, heart disease, cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined account for half of the deaths per year in the United States. Stroke, diabetes, influenza and kidney disease, all of which are also preventable, also rank in the top 10 killers (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm). Regular visits to a doctor for preventive care arms patients with the knowledge they need to avoid these diseases.

This is the right time to be tested

During regular visits for preventive care, a doctor will test the patient for existing health conditions and risk factors for disease. This will allow the doctor to treat these conditions before they progress. The doctor will also offer invaluable advice on diet, health and lifestyle changes that can be made to improve overall health. A physical examination may also take place to provide the doctor with more insight on the current and potential future health of the patient.

The majority of the previously mentioned leading causes of death can be prevented with a few simple life changes.

#1 – Diet changes

Obesity affects about one-third of adults, according to findings by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html). Heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and even cancer can be a result of obesity, often leading to premature death. Developing healthy nutritional habits now may help prevent a person from becoming overweight or obese and could ensure the avoidance of disease. Even people who are thin may have diet-related high cholesterol and heart problems. A preventive doctor will provide tips on proper nutrition to keep a body healthy.

#2 – Exercise changes

Exercise reduces high blood pressure and anxiety, and it increases energy levels and brain activity. It can reduce a person’s risk of illness and depression, while also keeping Alzheimer's and other degenerative brain diseases at bay. Based on a patient’s current activity level, a preventive doctor can provide advice on safely beginning an exercise regimen.

#3 – Lifestyle changes

In addition to ditching a sedentary life and eating healthier foods, quitting unhealthy habits like smoking and drug use may increase chances of living a longer life. People who smoke are nearly twice as likely to have a heart attack, according to the British Heart Foundation (https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/smoking). A preventive medicine doctor knows exactly what lifestyle changes, like limited tobacco and alcohol use, may help a person live a healthier and longer life.

Now is the right time to care for your health. If you have a family history of chronic disease or you are just interested in living a healthier lifestyle, we can help you get started today. It is never too late to start taking better care of yourself. Take a step toward a healthier you, and schedule an appointment with a doctor who practices preventive medicine by calling our office.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Eldridge Family Clinic, call us at (281) 946-1351.

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