Preventive Healthcare
Preventive healthcare is the first step to stopping illness or disease before it has the chance to begin. Taking extra precautions can save you thousands in healthcare costs and can lead to a longer-lasting life.
Did you know that most of the deadly diseases in the United States have been shown to be preventable? For example, cardiovascular disease causes over half a million deaths per year. Worldwide, the numbers are even greater. While genetics can play a factor for some, healthy eating and exercise have been shown to greatly reduce these numbers when done on a regular and consistent basis. If heart disease runs in your family, talk to your doctor during your next visit about a heart-healthy diet.
Another way to improve your life with preventive healthcare is to avoid smoking. Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. If you are already a smoker, it’s never too late to quit.
Another preventive measure is to limit alcohol consumption. Drinking wine has been shown to have some benefits when done in moderation but excessive drinking can lead to liver issues. Other complications that can result from drinking alcohol are pancreatitis, alcohol dependence, and esophageal cancer.
Additional ways to use preventive health measures for a better life are:
- Wearing sunscreen and limiting excessive sun exposure
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet
- Exercising on a regular basis
- Practicing safe sex
- Taking precautions for health when traveling with proper vaccines
- Yearly checkups and screenings with your doctors
- Maintain a healthy BMI
- Avoid using illegal and recreational drugs
- Practicing safety in all recreational activities
- Practicing safe hygiene with proper handwashing and sanitization
We all want to live long and healthy lives. There’s no better way to do that than with simple preventive healthcare in our daily routines. For more information on how you can live a healthier life, book an appointment today with Louetta Family Medicine and ask your provider about what you can do to get back onto the right path to wellness.
