Preventive care

Preventative care refers to any medical care aimed at avoiding future disease, disability, and death. Early and frequent medical intervention can help individuals stay healthy, detect issues early, and treat health conditions before they progress. Routine aspects of preventative care include:
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Routine medical and dental visits. Regularly visiting the doctor’s and dentist’s office can help individuals maintain their health. Regular checkups may include things like screenings, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and patient counseling.
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Screenings. Screenings are a critical part of preventative care as they allow healthcare providers to detect disease before it advances. Cancer screenings, for example, involves checking the body for cancer before individuals ever develop symptoms. Cancer screenings can enable detection of breast, colon, and cervical cancer early, when treatments are most effective.
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Vaccinations. Vaccines are an incredibly safe and effective way to prevent many different types of diseases. While many vaccinations are received during childhood and adolescence, adults should continue to receive routine vaccinations as recommended by their provider. Vaccines like the COVID-19, flu, and shingles vaccinations can protect against common illnesses.
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Assessment of health history. Part of preventative care is also assessing one’s personal and family medical history. Someone’s genetics can predispose them to certain diseases, so implementing appropriate precautions (e.g., screenings) and lifestyle interventions can actively prevent these conditions.