What Is Preventive Care?
Preventive care focuses on staying healthy by preventing illnesses or detecting them early—when treatment is most effective. It includes regular checkups, health screenings, vaccinations, and healthy lifestyle habits. Your primary care physician (PCP) plays an essential role in guiding you through preventive care and helping you maintain long-term wellness.
Top Preventive Care Tips from Primary Care Experts
Schedule Regular Checkups
Annual visits with your primary care physician are key to maintaining good health. During these checkups, your PCP may:
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Perform a complete physical examination
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Review your personal and family medical history
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Screen for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol
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Administer recommended vaccines, including flu shots and tetanus boosters
Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations
Vaccinations are important at every age, not just during childhood. They help protect against preventable illnesses such as:
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Influenza (flu)
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Pneumonia
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Shingles
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Tetanus
Know Your Health Numbers
Understanding your health metrics can help you catch problems early and stay on track:
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Blood pressure: Ideally below 120/80 mmHg
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Cholesterol: Keep LDL (“bad”) cholesterol low and HDL (“good”) cholesterol high
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Blood sugar: Monitor levels to prevent or manage diabetes
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Body Mass Index (BMI): Maintain a healthy weight for your height
Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet
A balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to prevent chronic diseases. Try to:
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Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
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Choose lean protein sources such as fish, poultry, beans, and legumes
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Reduce intake of saturated fats, sugar, and sodium
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Drink plenty of water throughout the day
Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise helps prevent obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Aim for:
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At least 150 minutes of moderate activity (like brisk walking) or
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75 minutes of vigorous activity (like running) each week
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Strength training exercises at least twice weekly
Avoid Smoking
Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious conditions. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most powerful steps you can take to improve your health.
Drink Alcohol in Moderation
Too much alcohol can contribute to high blood pressure, liver disease, and other health problems. If you drink:
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Limit to one drink per day for women
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Limit to two drinks per day for men
Manage Stress Effectively
Long-term stress can affect both physical and mental health. Helpful stress-management strategies include:
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Meditation or mindfulness practices
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Deep breathing exercises
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Spending quality time with family and friends
Get Quality Sleep
Poor sleep is linked to conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Most adults should aim for 7–9 hours of restful sleep each night.
Understand Your Family Health History
Your family’s medical history can reveal potential health risks. Sharing this information with your PCP allows them to create a personalized preventive care plan tailored to your needs.
Why Choose Padder Health Services for Preventive Care?
At Padder Health Services, our experienced primary care physicians are committed to helping you stay healthy through comprehensive preventive care. We provide:
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Thorough annual physical exams
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Preventive screenings and vaccinations
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Personalized lifestyle and wellness counseling
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Convenient locations in Laurel and Columbia, MD
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Same-day appointment availability
Take control of your health today. Schedule an appointment with Padder Health Services and start building a healthier future through proactive preventive care.