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Preventive Healthcare - Exploring The Examples/Types

A doctor educates on preventive healthcare.
HealthVectors
May 15, 2024
7 minutes

What is preventive healthcare? Preventive healthcare focuses on proactive measures taken to prevent the onset and progression of diseases. This approach aims to minimise the likelihood of illness and its risk factors at any life stage. It remains beneficial even for those already managing specific health conditions, as it helps prevent further deterioration. This form of care emphasises early detection of health issues, even those that may not be entirely preventable. Healthcare institutions provide specialised healthcare analytics solutions that prioritise preventing health concerns rather than merely responding to them after severe symptoms appear.

Diseases and health conditions can be triggered or influenced by various factors such as genetics, environmental conditions, disease agents, and lifestyle choices. Preventive healthcare aims to implement anticipatory measures to manage these factors and prevent diseases from developing or progressing further. Let us now take a look at some of the major types of preventive healthcare.

Top Preventive Health Examples - “Prevention is Better Than Cure”

Anyone looking to understand preventive healthcare better should examine the numerous examples available in today's healthcare landscape. The core principle of preventive healthcare is to be proactive rather than reactive. This approach encourages patients to utilise available resources early to prevent serious health issues. Here are some of the most common preventive health examples:

BP Tests

Blood pressure screenings are vital for detecting risk factors for major illnesses in adults. The USPSTF (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) advises that adults should have their blood pressure checked every three to five years, while those over 40 should have annual screenings. Consistent monitoring of high blood pressure can lower the occurrences of heart failure, coronary artery disease, and strokes. Moreover, identifying low blood pressure through screenings can help reduce rates of heart failure, overall mortality, and cerebrovascular incidents.

Diabetes Screening

As diabetes incidence rates continue to climb rapidly, the disease emerges as a significant threat to public health. The American Diabetes Association estimated that in 2018, approximately 34.2 million people in the U.S. had diabetes, with 7.3 million of them unaware of their condition. Diabetes ranks among the most common diseases in our society and is linked with severe complications, including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and stroke.

In 2016, diabetes was listed as one of the diagnoses in 16 million emergency room visits. By 2019, diabetes had directly resulted in 1.5 million deaths. Risk factors such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and obesity can be managed, and individuals genetically predisposed to diabetes should take extra preventive measures. These measures include early diagnosis, prompt adoption of recommended lifestyle changes, and regular diabetes screening.

India has more than 101 million people living with diabetes, compared to 70 million people in 2019, according to an ICMR study published in the UK medical journal ‘Lancet’ in 2023. At least 136 million people, or 15.3% of the population, have prediabetes.

Also Read: Why Knowing Your Family Medical History Is Important

Routine Vaccinations

Childhood vaccinations play a critical role in safeguarding against severe diseases such as hepatitis and polio, and vaccinations in adulthood are equally crucial. Adults are advised to get "TDaP" vaccines and an annual flu vaccine. TDap protects against diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus, every ten years and during each pregnancy. These vaccines are vital not only for improving individual health outcomes but also for enhancing public health by preventing the transmission of these illnesses.

Cholesterol Tests

Checking your cholesterol levels is a vital step toward maintaining a healthy life. High cholesterol can lead to the accumulation of fats in the artery walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which significantly increases the risk of heart disease or stroke—both leading causes of death in the US.

It's crucial to recognise that abnormal cholesterol levels often present no symptoms, making regular screenings essential. Ideally, these checks should occur every five years. It's also worth noting that abnormal cholesterol levels are not uncommon in younger populations, affecting approximately 1 in 5 adolescents. Regular monitoring can help manage this risk from an early age.

Management of Body Weight

In 2020, the adult obesity rate reached an all-time high of 42.4%. Obesity heightens the risk of various severe health issues, including heart diseases, multiple types of cancers, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and other conditions.

Engaging in regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet are crucial examples of preventive healthcare. These practices not only help manage weight but also mitigate the symptoms of various diseases, supporting overall health and wellness.

Cancer Screenings

Mammograms and colonoscopies are key tools for cancer screening. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in every eight women in the United States is likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Mammograms, which usually last about 20 minutes, can identify breast cancer at an early stage before it spreads to more challenging areas to treat, greatly enhancing survival rates for many women.

Colonoscopies play a similar critical role in the early detection of colorectal cancer, where the effectiveness of treatment is greatly dependent on how early the cancer is caught. Although colonoscopies are widely used, other screening options like CT colonography or stool tests may be more appropriate depending on individual risk factors and are also effective in detecting early signs of colorectal cancer.

Also Read: Very Few Know Importance of Regular Health Checks, Do You?

Mental Health Screenings

Mental health frequently becomes a secondary consideration in healthcare for many people. Remarkably, nearly one in every five adults in the U.S. is diagnosed with a mental illness. These conditions are a significant contributor to one of the leading causes of death in the country: suicide. This underscores the critical role of preventive healthcare. Through mental health screening tools and assessments, it's possible to ensure the early diagnosis and prompt treatment of mental health conditions, which can significantly improve outcomes and potentially save lives.

STI Screenings

For sexually active individuals, screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a crucial aspect of preventive healthcare. Many STIs do not present any signs or symptoms, making it possible for individuals to have an infection without being aware of it. This lack of symptoms can lead to rapid transmission and detrimental health outcomes. It is recommended that sexually active people regularly test for STIs, including gonorrhoea, chlamydia, HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis, as part of their routine medical care to prevent the spread of infections and protect overall health.

Well-child Visits

From birth to age 21, children can greatly minimise the risk of serious illnesses and disabilities by attending annual well-child and well-baby check-ups. These appointments allow healthcare providers to administer essential vaccinations, conduct screenings for potential health concerns, and provide advice on lifestyle adjustments that may prevent diseases in the future. This type of preventive care is vital for maintaining the long-term health and well-being of children throughout their developmental years.

Your Health Should Always Be Your Priority

One of the most proactive steps you can take for your health and well-being is to undergo screening for serious conditions before they develop. This is the essence of preventive health, which is why medical professionals universally recommend that both adults and children regularly participate in screenings, immunisations, and routine tests.

Most preventive health services recommend healthcare data analytics solutions provided by experts like Health Vectors to proactively manage your health. Utilizing tools like Smart Reports can help you understand your health status better. Moreover, knowing your risk of future health issues like NCDs (Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension, heart attack, stroke, etc.) even before any symptoms show up can be very helpful. This can lead to long-term cost savings in healthcare by mitigating more severe health issues.

If you have questions about preventive care or are unsure about which screenings you or your children should receive, it's essential to consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional. They can provide personalised advice based on your specific health needs, including recommendations for Personalized Health Reports tailored to your unique health profile.

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