Preventive Care in Adult Medicine: What You Need to Know

What Is Preventive Care?

Preventive care, also known as prophylaxis, is personalized care aimed at helping patients stay healthy and reduce the chances of getting sick. Primary care doctors often recommend treatments like cancer screenings, vaccinations, and annual checkups. Additionally, preventive care for adults can help physicians detect certain diseases and conditions before they get worse. If you are looking to improve your health and wellness, consult your primary care doctor for a personalized plan that focuses on all the areas that matter.

Common Preventive Care Examples

Primary care doctors in Clinton, MD recommend preventive care during every stage in life, especially adults with underlying health conditions that need constant management. Here’s what preventive care focuses on to help you make informed decisions for your overall well-being.

Routine Visits

When was your last doctor’s appointment? If the answer is over a year ago, it may be time to call your primary care physician (PCP) for a checkup. Regular evaluations by a primary care doctor or specialists go a long way in keeping track of your health, should complications arise. However, the frequency of visits depends on pre-existing health issues and your age. During appointments, your provider will check for several things, including blood pressure, heart rate, breathing function, height and weight, temperature, and ENT (ears, nose, and throat). This thorough evaluation provides valuable information to create a personalized treatment plan.

Vaccines

Preventive care includes immunization to protect you or your loved ones from common diseases and infections. Although the most common misconception is that immunization is mainly for children, this is not the case. Adults can also get vaccinated, especially during outbreaks or increased susceptibility due to age and other factors. Primary care doctors can prescribe specific immunizations or liaise with specialists to include immunization in your personalized care plan.

Cancer Screenings

Cancer is a chronic disease that often starts small and worsens over time. Regular screenings by your primary care physician can help catch some types early on before they worsen and become harder to treat. According to the CDC, routine breast cancer screening for females should start at age 40 and over, and cervical cancer screening should start at age 25. Colon cancer screening, also called a colonoscopy, should be done every ten years from age 40 to 75. If you or a loved one smokes or has a history of smoking, yearly cancer screening is crucial.

When to Schedule Preventive Care Screenings

When it comes to your health and wellness, prioritizing preventive care can make a big difference. Primary care doctors not only schedule routine checkups but also personalize plans that evolve to meet your specific needs. Based on the initial evaluation, your physician can recommend screenings and treatments, as well as determine when you need them for better outcomes and lasting wellness.

Don’t wait until you are sick to go to the doctor. Contact Southern Maryland Medical Group to visit experienced primary care doctors when you are feeling well to prevent getting sick more often in the future.