Preventive care involves medical services that reduce risks of health conditions that cause medical emergencies, disability, or chronic diseases. Doctors usually perform regular screenings for diseases to detect them early before they exhibit symptoms. When a disease is identified early, doctors have more success in treatment and can help to reduce the risks of further complications. San Antonio preventive care helps minimize treatment costs and mortality rates and effectively helps people live healthily. There are many preventive care practices that can help promote good health, and here are some.
Blood pressure tests
A blood pressure test is one of the essential screenings to identify risk factors for severe diseases in adults. Doctors recommend you get a blood pressure test every three to five years and annually if you are over forty years. High blood pressure screening can reduce stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. Testing for low blood pressure can help reduce cerebrovascular, heart failure, and general mortality.
Diabetes screening
Research in 2015 in the United States shows that diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death. Diabetes can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss. About twenty-five percent of people with diabetes do not know they have the disease. If detected early or you have prediabetes, your doctor can help you manage the condition with a healthy diet and physical activity. Early diabetes screenings can help reduce health disparities and mortality rates.
Cholesterol tests
Cholesterol tests can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Doctors recommend individuals get cholesterol tests every four to six years. You should get cholesterol tests more often if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of high cholesterol. Cardiovascular disease increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Medications and increased physical activity can help manage cardiovascular disease to prevent further complications.
Cancer screenings
Mammograms and colonoscopies are the most performed cancer screenings. A mammogram detects breast cancer, while colonoscopy tests for colorectal cancer. Early detection of these cancers can help in early and effective treatment and prevent them from moving to other body parts. Doctors can also diagnose colorectal cancer through CT colonography or tool tests.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screening
Most people with sexually transmitted diseases do not show symptoms and spread them to other individuals without knowing. Undetected and untreated sexually transmitted infections can lead to poor health, fertility loss, and severe illnesses. Healthcare providers recommend you have an STI test every three months to once a year if you are sexually active, depending on your risk factors.
Routine vaccinations
Childhood vaccinations are essential. They prevent severe diseases like polio and hepatitis and reduce child mortality rates. Adult vaccinations are also necessary; every adult should take a flu vaccine yearly and TDaP shots every ten years. TDaP shots prevent you from tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough vaccines. Expectant women should also receive TDaP shots once during pregnancy to impact good health.
Preventive care reduces disease risk, detects health conditions for early treatment, and promotes overall health. Blood pressure, diabetes, STI, cancer screenings, and vaccinations are some practices in preventive care. Schedule an appointment at Castle Hills Family Practice for preventive care services to improve your overall health.
