Staying Healthy Starts with Preventive Care
Getting preventive care is the most important step you can take to stay healthy — even when you feel well.
See your doctor regularly for physical exams, immunizations and screenings.
Remember to:
- Get a yearly physical exam. A physical exam is a routine screening that your doctor performs to check your overall health. It’s a good time to ask your doctor questions about your health and discuss any changes or problems that you’ve noticed. Your doctor may listen to your heart and lungs, measure your height and weight, and check your blood pressure and/or cholesterol. Depending on your age, gender, medical or family history, your doctor may recommend additional screenings.
- Schedule regular dental exams. Dental exams are a critical part of preventive care. Your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth and check for cavities and gum disease. The health of your teeth may indicate other health conditions, like diabetes or heart disease.
Immunizations aren’t just for kids.
Not only do immunizations prevent you from getting and spreading serious diseases, adults need immunizations because:
- Immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time.
- They are at risk for different diseases, such as shingles.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all adults get:
- The seasonal flu vaccine every year
- The Tdap vaccine once if you did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough)
- The Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years
You may need other vaccines based on your age, health conditions, job, lifestyle or travel plans. Speak to your doctor about which vaccines may be right for you.
Screenings are important too.
Screening tests are an important part of your preventive health care. Screenings can help catch certain illnesses and conditions, such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease, in their earliest and most treatable stages, even before you notice symptoms.
Speak to your doctor about which screenings are important for you.
Preventive care is the most important step you can take to manage your health; call your doctor and schedule an appointment today.
