Preventive care doesn’t get as much attention as it should, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for your physical, mental and emotional health. Preventive care is any type of care designed to prevent common illnesses and diseases. Preventive care often refers to professional health services, such as cancer screening tests and mammograms. Here are five important preventive care services you should consider receiving.
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Blood Pressure Test
Regular blood pressure tests are important once you reach a certain age. It’s especially important to check your blood pressure regularly if you have a family history of high blood pressure and related ailments. The higher your blood pressure is, the higher your risk of immediate or future health problems. Keep in mind that high blood pressure is abnormal, so it’s important to identify and address the underlying cause as soon as possible for the best outcome.
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Weight Loss
Though it isn’t technically a “service,” losing excess weight is one of the most important preventive care measures you can take. Excess weight is associated with many major causes of death throughout the world. If you’re overweight or obese, do your body a favor and take steps to lose the extra pounds in a healthy way. Newport Medical and Wellness Center can give you the boost you need if you require a little extra help losing weight. They can create customized eating and exercise programs that are suited to your body and current fitness levels.
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Cancer Screenings
Cancer screenings, including colonoscopies and mammograms, are important preventive care services. Talk to your doctor to find out what cancer screenings you should receive, and how often. If you have a lot of cancer in your family history, it’s extremely important to make sure you’re receiving relevant cancer screenings on a regular basis. Though regular screenings won’t prevent you from developing cancer, they can help you diagnose it early on. Typically, the earlier you diagnose cancer, the better your treatment outcome.
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Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a form of preventive care. They can help prevent you from getting deadly diseases such as meningitis, measles and polio. In the United States, most children receive all their vaccinations by the time they are six years old. However, some vaccinations do require booster shots to remain effective. You may also require specific vaccinations if you plan to travel to countries that have high rates of vaccine-preventing diseases.
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Mental Health Counseling
Mental health doesn’t get as much attention as it should in our society. It’s just as important to receive preventive services for your mental health as it is to receive preventive services for your physical health. If you struggle with depression or other mental health conditions, it’s important to receive counseling as often as necessary. Counseling may help you manage your mental illness and prevent it from becoming worse.
These are just a few of the preventive health services available to you. There are also preventive care measures you can take from the comfort of your own home, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep.
