An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to protecting your long-term health. For the team at RescueMD in Allen, Texas, routine preventive care is the foundation of good health. The providers are trained to spot health concerns early on and help you take the necessary steps to prevent chronic disease. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
Preventive Medicine Q & A
What is preventive medicine?
Preventive medicine is a proactive approach to healthcare, emphasizing the prevention of diseases, injuries, and health issues rather than just treating them after they arise.
Preventive medicine encompasses a range of approaches, including lifestyle adjustments (such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation), regular health screenings, immunizations, genetic counseling, environmental interventions, and public health initiatives. By addressing various factors that influence health, preventive medicine aims to enhance overall well-being and minimize the incidence of preventable diseases.
There are several key aspects to preventive medicine:
Primary prevention
This aspect involves measures aimed at preventing diseases from occurring initially. Examples include vaccinations, educational programs promoting healthy lifestyles, and regulations to minimize exposure to harmful substances in the environment.
Secondary prevention
Secondary prevention concentrates on early detection and intervention to halt or slow disease progression. Screening tests like mammograms for breast cancer and cholesterol checks for cardiovascular disease are key examples. Early identification allows for timely treatment, often preventing more serious complications.
Tertiary prevention
Tertiary prevention focuses on managing existing diseases to prevent complications and further health deterioration. It includes rehabilitation programs for stroke patients, diabetes management to avoid complications, and counseling for individuals with chronic conditions to ensure adherence to treatment plans.
How does preventive care work?
Preventive care combines routine wellness exams with recommended health screenings to give you an accurate evaluation of your current health and identify any factors or problems that may increase your risk of developing a chronic disease.
The RescueMD team uses a variety of methods to help patients stay healthy, including:
- Routine blood pressure screenings
- Regular cholesterol screenings
- Annual body mass index (BMI) score
- Sensory (hearing and vision) screenings
- Patient-specific cancer screenings
- Sexually transmitted disease testing
Comprehensive annual wellness exams and patient-specific screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies are designed to help you uncover hidden health risks and problems as soon as possible.
Who benefits from preventive medicine?
Everyone can benefit from preventive medicine. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds can proactively manage their health to prevent diseases and lead healthier lives. Additionally, communities benefit from reduced healthcare costs associated with treating preventable conditions and improved population health outcomes.
At RescueMD, the team is dedicated to offering preventive medicine services. Their comprehensive approach focuses on empowering patients to take control of their health and well-being through personalized preventive strategies. Call the office by phone or reach out online to schedule an appointment.