Preventive Care: Stay Healthy, Stay Ahead
Prevention is the best medicine — many conditions can be avoided or caught early with the right habits, check-ups, and screening
What is preventive care
Preventive care means caring for your health before problems start. It helps find issues early, lower risk of disease, and keeps you feeling your best.
Healthy Living & Daily Habits
Healthy living starts with your daily choices. Eating well, staying active, and managing stress can improve your mood, protect your health, and enhance your quality of life.
Nutrition & Supplements
Eat well: Choose a diet low in saturated fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber to help prevent heart disease and certain cancers.
Calcium & Vitamin D:
- Adults under 50 years old: ~1000 mg calcium/day
- Adults over 50 years old: ~1200 mg calcium/day
Vitamin D: 400–1000 IU/day (up to 2000 IU/day for older adults)
Folic Acid: All women planning pregnancy should take folic acid to prevent birth defects — ideally starting before conception.
Physical Activity
Aim for at least 30 minutes or more of physical activity on most days of the week.
Choose activities such as: brisk walking, cycling, or other moderate exercises that raise your heart rate and keep you moving.
Regular movement helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis
Sun Safety
Protect your skin by avoiding midday sun, wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade whenever possible.
Sunscreen is helpful, but limiting direct sun exposure is most effective.
Smoking & Alcohol
Quitting smoking greatly reduces your risk of cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. Ask us about cessation programs and medications.
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your drinking habits.
Family & Reproductive Health
Family Planning: Talk to your doctor about birth control options and the risks of delaying pregnancy.
Safe Sex: Use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Fertility Awareness: Women over 35 should be aware that fertility naturally declines with age.
Care for Older Adults
Fall Prevention: If you’ve had a fall, a fall-risk assessment may be recommended.
Cognitive Health: Memory changes should always be discussed with your doctor.
Hearing & Vision: Regular hearing checks and vision tests (e.g., Snellen test) are important as we age.
Oral Health
Brush twice daily and floss regularly to prevent gum disease and cavities.
Regular dental visits and fluoride use reduce the risk of oral cancer and tooth decay.
Routine Screenings & Tests
Blood Pressure & Weight
Have your blood pressure checked at every visit.
Waist size and weight measurements can help identify potential risks for heart disease and diabetes, and tracking them over time supports better health monitoring.
Cancer Screenings
As people grow older, the probability of developing cancer rises, since age is one of the strongest risk factors. Get tested regularly.
- Cervical (Pap test): Every 3 years from ages 25–69.
- Breast (Mammogram): Every 2–3 years from ages 50–74.
- Colon (FIT or sigmoidoscopy): Every 2 years from age 50.
- Lung: Annual low-dose CT scan for adults 55–74 with heavy smoking history.
Blood Tests & Other Screenings
Regular blood testing becomes increasingly important with age, helping to detect health concerns early and guide timely treatment.
- Cholesterol: Start at age 40 (earlier if you have risk factors).
- Diabetes: Screen every 3 years from age 40 (earlier if high risk).
- STIs & HIV: Regular screening if you are at risk.
- Bone Density: Screening for osteoporosis usually starts at age 65.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: One-time ultrasound for men 65–80.
Immunizations
Staying current with your immunizations is important at every stage of life, as vaccines protect you from preventable illnesses and support long-term health.
- Tetanus: Booster every 10 years.
- Influenza: Every year, especially for people over 65, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions.
- Pneumococcal: One dose after age 65.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Ensure you’re up-to-date, especially if born after 1970.
- HPV: Recommended for women up to 45 and men up to 26.
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Two doses after age 50.
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough): One-time booster in adulthood, and with each pregnancy.
Home & Safety Tips
Always wear a seatbelt.
Use smoke detectors, child safety locks, and poison control numbers at home.
Wear hearing protection in loud environments.
Why Preventive Care Matters
Preventive care helps:
- Catch diseases early when they are most treatable.
- Reduce complications from chronic conditions.
- Improve your quality of life — and help you live longer.
Regular check-ups and screenings are tailored to your age, lifestyle, and health risks. Book your preventive care visit today — and take the first step toward a healthier future.
Ready to Get Started?
We recommend all adults — especially those 40 years old and over — book a yearly physical.
Book your appointment below
Or call 647-952-0513.