Preventive Health Care › Services

Preventive care is a set of measures taken in advance of symptoms to prevent illness or injury. This type of care is best exemplified by routine physical examinations and immunizations. The emphasis is on preventing illnesses before they occur. 
The most important part of preventive health care is maintaining good health habits. This includes:

• Daily exercise
• Weight control
• Proper nutrition
• Avoidance of smoking and drug abuse
• Abstinence from or moderation of alcohol use
• Proper control of any diseases or disorders (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high levels of cholesterol in the blood)

In addition to these habits, there are some other professional services that may prove worthwhile in either preventing or at least minimizing disease.

1. Periodic screening of female adults for specific problems is important and recommended:

• Pap smear -- cervical cancer screening
• Breast self-examination (BSE)
• A baseline mammogram - radiologic (x-ray) evaluation of the breast tissue is recommended for women at age 40.

2. Periodic screening of male adults for specific problems is important and recommended:

• Testicular self-examination (TSE)
• Prostate cancer screening
• Cholesterol screening
• Colon cancer screening
• Blood pressure should be checked annually
• Weight should be checked annually unless there are notable weight losses or gains.

Keep immunizations up-to-date. Remember that adults should receive periodic boosters for diseases such as tetanus. If you are either older than 65 or have significant heart or lung problems, you should consider receiving an influenza vaccine during the fall and winter season, as well as a pneumonia vaccine.

Many diseases can be effectively treated when detected early.
See your primary health care provider right away if:

• A lump or persistent lesion appears on your body
• You have unexplained weight loss
• You have a prolonged fever
• A chronic cough develops (or if you begin to cough up blood)
• You notice continued body aches and pains

Have a plan for obtaining professional care before the need arises.