Preventive Care Specialist

What is preventive care?

Preventive care includes a variety of medical approaches that help you avoid chronic diseases. Recent national health statistics show that more than half of all Americans have chronic diseases, but many of them are preventable.

Through preventive care, Castle Hills Family Practice is here to help you correct issues that could derail your health or lead to a serious disease. 

What diseases can preventive care help me avoid?

Preventive care can help you avoid many serious illnesses, diseases, and medical crises, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Coronary heart disease
• Communicable diseases
• Some types of cancer, including colorectal, cervical, and breast cancers

Many of these diseases have related underlying factors. For example, people with Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or a history of stroke often struggle with their weight, have an unhealthy diet, and have high blood pressure. 

What does preventive care encompass?

Preventive care can change with your age, health issues, and disease risk factors. Some of the many aspects of preventive care can include:

• Blood pressure screening
• Mental health screening
• Diabetes testing
• Cancer screening
• Cholesterol testing
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing
• Tuberculosis screening
• Immunizations
• Smoking cessation programs
• Preventive medications, like cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Lifestyle counseling
• Weight management
• Nutritional counseling
• Exercise counseling

Some types of preventive care are the same for nearly everyone, such as flu immunizations every year. Other preventive care, like shingles immunizations, start at age 50. 

Some people need specific screening tests if they have certain disease risk factors.

Still, other types of preventive care are only for a select group of people with a specific issue, for example smoking cessation for cigarette smokers who want to quit to protect their health. 

Castle Hills Family Practice conducts a comprehensive health evaluation and medical history review to determine which types of preventive care you need so they can tailor an approach just for you.

How often do I need preventive care?

Preventive care is something that you practice at home every day through healthy lifestyle choices. In addition, you need to see your medical care providers regularly to make sure you stay on track and do everything possible to remain healthy. 

Castle Hills Family Practice recommends an annual exam every year as part of your preventive health care. These exams are a good opportunity to learn more about your body, identify changes, and refocus your health goals. 

Call Castle Hills Family Practice or click the provided link to schedule a preventive health check-up now.