It was Benjamin Franklin who said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And while he was talking about preventing fires, his words also hold true when it comes to our health and well-being. Let’s learn more about the power of prevention.
What is preventive care?
It’s health care that’s intended to help detect or prevent serious diseases and health problems before they occur or become major.
What are some examples of preventive care?
- Annual checkups: During these visits, your primary care doctor conducts a physical exam and reviews the results of any screenings done in advance of your appointment. These visits are your opportunity to establish a relationship with your doctor, so they have a better understanding of your health history and any risk factors. This is also a good time to talk with your doctor about your mental health.
- Screenings: As part of your annual checkup, your doctor may order tests for cancers, diabetes and heart disease. Additional testing also may be recommended based on your age and health history.
- Annual eye and dental exams: Our eyes and mouths play key roles in our overall health. During annual eye exams, your doctor evaluates your vision and checks for eye diseases. Annual dental exams include teeth cleaning and checking for cavities and gum disease.
- Vaccinations: Developed to help prevent or minimize the symptoms of many diseases, vaccines are given to children and adults. For children, these include vaccines for illnesses, such as chickenpox, measles and polio. Adults may receive vaccines for pneumonia, shingles and tetanus. Vaccines for flu and COVID-19 are also available for children and adults.
Why is preventive care important?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100,000 lives could be saved every year if all Americans received their recommended preventive care. That’s because preventive care helps detect diseases earlier when they’re more likely to be treatable or prevent diseases altogether. Early detection also can help lessen the costs of medical care.
Your health and well-being are important, so don’t leave it up to luck. Schedule your preventive care today to help you achieve and maintain better health.
Sources: cdc.gov, healthcare.gov, mayoclinic.org
Now’s a good time to get caught up on any preventive care you may have missed. Most preventive care services and common immunizations administered at Publix Pharmacy are free for associates and family members enrolled in the Publix BCBS PPO Plan.
