Do you usually only go to the doctor when you are sick? Or are you interested in preventing illness before it even happens? That second point is what we call 'Preventive Care'. In medicine, this is also called 'Prophylaxis'. Simply put, this refers to the care and advice we can receive to stay healthy and reduce the risk of developing illness.
This preventive care is not the same for everyone. The specific tests and treatments you need will depend on a number of factors. These include:
- your age
- Your medical history (i.e., previous illnesses, family history, etc.)
- Whether you are male or female
- Your current health status
It is by considering all of this that you decide which preventive care is best for you.
So what is this preventive care?
We all need these preventive care services at different times in our lives. Just think, these things are important from childhood all the way through old age. Here are a few examples:
- Annual wellness visits
- Routine blood tests
- Vaccines
- Cancer screenings
- Prophylaxis during pregnancy
- Preventive eye care
- Preventive dental care for dental health
How important are annual wellness visits?
Even when you're healthy, it's important to see a doctor regularly. That's what we call a ``wellness visit.'' This allows your doctor to keep a close eye on your overall health. How often you should go for a checkup will vary depending on your age.
Imagine, a 20-year-old might have a health checkup like this once every three years. But, for a 50-year-old, it's usually a good idea to have a checkup like this every year.
At this time, your family doctor (your primary care physician - PCP) will check your:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Breathing function
- Body temperature `(Temperature)`
- Eyes, ears, nose, throat and skin
With this information, your doctor can create a health plan that's right for you. So, don't miss these checkups, okay?
Let's protect ourselves from diseases with vaccines!
Vaccinations are a very important part of preventive care (prophylaxis). They can protect us from common diseases and infections. These vaccines include:
- Childhood vaccines: Vaccines that are part of the recommended childhood immunization schedule, specifically those recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These vaccines help protect against diseases such as tuberculosis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer. It is important to get these vaccines on time for your baby.
- Adult vaccines: Examples include flu shots and the COVID-19 vaccine. There may be other recommended vaccines based on your age and health. Talk to your doctor about these.
Cancer Screenings
Now, cancer is something that many people fear. But some types of cancer are easier to treat and more likely to be cured if they are detected early. That's why we have these early tests called ``Cancer screenings.'' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular screening for some types of cancer.
Breast cancer
It is important for women to have regular mammograms starting at age 40. These check for abnormalities in the breasts. If you are at high risk for breast cancer, you may need to start these tests at an earlier age.
If anyone in your family has had breast cancer, don't forget to tell your doctor about it too.
Cervical cancer
Anyone with a cervix should start getting tested for it at age 25. An HPV test every five years and a Pap smear every three years are recommended until age 65.
Colorectal (colon) cancer
Experts recommend that you have a colonoscopy every 10 years , from the age of 45 to 75. If someone in your family has had this type of cancer, you may need to have these tests earlier and more often.
Lung cancer
Smokers, or former smokers, should consider getting screened for lung cancer every year. This uses a CT (Computed Tomography) scan to look for tumors or abnormalities in the lungs.
Your doctor may also recommend other types of tests, especially if you are at high risk for a certain type of cancer. These tests include:
- Get more information about breast tissue with a `Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)` test.
- A blood test called `CA-125` monitors certain cancers, such as ovarian, fallopian tube, or pancreatic cancer.
- The PSA test for prostate cancer.
These are just general guidelines, right? Talk to your doctor to find out exactly what tests you need and when you should have them.
Essential preventive care during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of special attention. During this time, you may need tests for things like:
- Anemia
- Rh factor incompatibility
- Gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure during pregnancy
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Syphilis
Some other important preventive measures during pregnancy are:
- Prenatal vitamins
- Breastfeeding education
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Genetic counseling
All of this is for your health and that of your baby.
Don't forget to take care of your eyes!
Eye health is part of your overall health. To maintain good vision, you need to have your eyes checked regularly. How often you should have these tests will vary depending on your condition, so it's best to ask your eye doctor for details.
Should we keep our teeth healthy too?
Another essential part of preventive care is maintaining dental health. These things can help prevent your oral health problems from occurring in the first place:
- Dental exams: Your dentist can check the health of your teeth and gums at this time. If there are any problems, early treatment can prevent major problems from developing.
- Dental cleanings: Plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, which can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. Regular dental cleanings remove these harmful substances from the surface of your teeth.
- Oral cancer screenings: Most dentists also screen for oral cancer during every visit. They look for signs of disease in and around your mouth.
- Oral hygiene education: Your dentist or dental hygienist can teach you how to properly brush your teeth and floss, so you can keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits.
Don't wait until you have a toothache to go see the dentist, okay?
So when should these preventive care tests be done?
The medical field is constantly evolving, and so are preventive care guidelines. Your doctor is the best person to ask about what tests and treatments you need, and when to get them. He or she will take into account your age, health history, and current conditions to give you the best advice.
Are these covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover preventive health services at no extra cost. However, the exact coverage may vary depending on factors such as your age. So it's wise to contact your insurance company to find out the exact details of your plan.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Most people only see a doctor when they are sick. However, seeing a doctor even when you are well can reduce the number of times you get sick. Preventive care helps your doctor understand your overall health and recommend treatments that are specific to you.
Whether you're young, a new parent, or an adult about to enter another decade of life, preventive care can reduce your risk of developing certain diseases.
It's true that you can't prevent everything. But, these things called `(Prophylaxis)` or preventive care give you the best chance to stay healthy and live your life to the fullest.
So, instead of waiting until you get sick, talk to your doctor today and learn about the preventive care you need. It will be a great help to you!
` Preventive Care, Prophylaxis, Preventive Care, Health Checkups, Vaccinations, Cancer Screenings, Healthy Living
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න