Preventative Care – Screening Tests and Strategies to Prevent Chronic Illness

The healthcare industry is continually growing, and we’re fortunate to live in a time where its focus is shifting from the treatment of illness to prevention. The significance of preventive care is increasingly gaining recognition and respect in the medical field, and the best part is that everyone can incorporate basic practices into their routine. By taking a proactive approach to your health, you can transform your life by avoiding the onset of chronic illnesses. Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, why not embrace a proactive mindset toward your well-being? Incorporating regular screenings and adopting effective strategies into your daily routine will empower you to live a vibrant life while reducing the potential impact of chronic illnesses. In this month’s post, let’s explore three tests and strategies that can implement to prevent chronic illness in your life.

Annual Physicals

Scheduling an annual physical with your General Practitioner is an excellent starting point for preventive care. It’s a good idea to book this appointment early in the year to assess your overall health and address any concerns that may arise. Annual physicals are typically non-invasive and can provide reassurance about your well-being while establishing a baseline for your current health status and future goals. During the physical, your doctor will assess vital signs such as weight, hearing, vision, blood pressure, heart rate, and body mass index. If you feel dissatisfied with your current health, feel free to ask your doctor for guidance on how to improve and ensure that you’re in a better place by your next physical examination.

Cancer Screenings

Scheduling a cancer screening may seem daunting, but they are vital to your long-term health. Undergoing a cancer screening enables your doctors to detect cancer at an early stage, potentially avoiding the need for more invasive treatments in the future. Women are advised to have mammograms and pap smears, while men should consider prostate cancer screenings. Other important tests include lung cancer screenings and colonoscopies. Though most experts recommend receiving a cancer screening every few years, we encourage you to speak with your doctor about your family history and to determine what precautionary tests are right for you.

Lifestyle Modifications

While doctor’s appointments and regular screenings are necessary, preventing chronic illness will also require you to make long-term lifestyle modifications. Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, following a healthy diet, and not smoking have been shown to reduce as much as 80% of chronic illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Healthy lifestyle choices will positively impact all aspects of your life, including your physical and mental health.

Lifestyle changes may seem challenging to make, but if you start with simple practices to build healthy habits, anyone can make life-altering changes that will prevent long-term illness. Find an exercise that you enjoy doing, whether it’s biking or spending time outside doing yard work. Additionally, find meals that you enjoy eating and learn how to cook them in a healthier way. By making these small changes to your daily routine, you will actively improve your health and vitality.

If you feel like you’ve lost your energy and spark that sustains you, Exceed Hormone Specialists is here to help.
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