Preventive care helps reduce risks for diseases and disabilities. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that millions of American don’t get recommended preventive health care services. In fact, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion reported that the number of U.S. adults who get recommended evidence-based preventive healthcare is actually decreasing.
Preventative health screenings play a critical role in maintaining good health by detecting and diagnosing numerous health conditions and managing risk factors. Detecting potential serious illnesses at an early stage can help treat and improve outcomes. These screenings also let your doctor identify a baseline of your health and take note of subtle changes that may signal more attention is needed.
Preventive screenings are important for several reasons:
- Reduce the risk of serious illness by helping to identify changes in health before serious illness occurs.
- Prevent diseases.
- Improve quality of life by reducing the risk of health issues.
- Helps providers and patients create proactive plan to manage risk factors.
Examples of important preventive screenings include:
- Annual wellness exam
- Cancer screenings, such as colorectal, breast and prostate
- Eye exam
- Dental exam
- Vaccinations
- Bone density test
What screenings to get may depend on your age, gender, health history, and risk factors. Your doctor can help you determine which screenings you need.
Unsure what screenings you need?
We can help! If you’re a patient, contact our office to schedule an appointment.