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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Having a connection with a primary care provider is paramount for your health. These medical professionals ensure you remain healthy year-round by providing services to prevent many illnesses and conditions. These services do not always mean medications. In fact, the goal of any medical care provider is to keep your body healthy enough to sustain…
Wondering when you need to get a health check up? Read on to learn more. Many people avoid seeking medical attention for minor health issues. If the headache disappears in a few hours or your fever subsides automatically after a short while, then there is perhaps no need to visit the doctor’s office for a…
Blood testing can reveal a wealth of information about one’s health. Urgent care and primary care doctors use it to screen, diagnose, and monitor treatment for various diseases. Here is why a doctor may recommend that a patient have a blood test.To perform blood testing, the healthcare provider will take several vials of blood from…
Immunizations, also known as vaccines, are injections that can prevent serious illness and improve individual health. Immunizations and vaccinations have helped prevent diseases that once spread rapidly through communities and killed infants and young children. Children who have had vaccinations against these contagious illnesses show improved health and wellness over time. Their enhanced immunity also…
Having a connection with a primary care provider is paramount for your health.
Wondering when you need to get a health check up? Read on to learn more.
Here is why a doctor may recommend that a patient have a blood test.
Immunizations, also known as vaccines, are injections that can prevent serious illness and improve individual…
If you have hurt your ankle, do not subject it to further strain. The pain…
Thinking about blood testing? Getting certain blood tests will help you understand your health, which…
