What Is Preventive Medicine?

Preventative medicine can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses or health issues, and improve general well-being. Preventative medicine can be as simple as lifestyle adjustments, or it can be as sophisticated as medical screenings and blood testing.

In this article brought to you by Southern Maryland Medical Group, we explore preventative medicine, including a range of approaches, its benefits, and how you can get started. If you are looking for a primary care physician in the southern Maryland area, you can call SMMG to consult with a knowledgeable member of our team or schedule a convenient appointment today.

Preventative Medicine: The Basics

Preventative medicine is just as the name suggests. The aim is to prevent diseases, disorders, and illnesses, and it involves acting BEFORE the event happens. For instance, heart disease and cancer are two of the leading causes of death in the world, but they can be detected early. Routine medical checkups, health screenings, and blood testing are just some of the tools at a primary care physician’s disposal.

Eating a healthy diet and performing regular exercise are also fundamental in preventative medicine. Primary care doctors can offer lifestyle adjustments and identify defects or injuries that may be keeping you from performing optimally. Preventative medicine requires collaborative work by the patient and the physician!

The Benefits of Preventative Medicine

There is no overstating the benefits of preventative medicine. For the sake of brevity, though, we’ll just list some key advantages, on both the individual and macro level:

• Improved Quality of Life: This is possibly the most valuable benefit. By addressing risk factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, and sedentary lifestyles, individuals can reduce their chances of developing chronic diseases and enjoy better overall well-being. Preventive medicine also focuses on promoting mental health, stress management, and early intervention for mental health disorders.
• More Positive Health Outcomes: We’re all bound to get sick or experience injuries, but preventive medicine can reduce the severity and progression of diseases. For example, regular screenings for conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases can improve survival rates. Further, early detection of physical defects can kickstart the curing and healing process.
• Cost Effective: Surgery, hospitalizations, and even ambulance trips to the emergency room can be nauseatingly expensive. Considering this, preventative medicine can REDUCE your healthcare costs in the long run.
• The Public Good: Many diseases are contagious, and even mental health issues can affect family, friends, and the public. Disease screenings, vaccinations, and actively managing your health can do a ton of good for your loved ones.

How to Get Started with Preventative Medicine

If you haven’t seen a primary care physician in College Park this year, then consider scheduling an appointment for as soon as possible. A doctor has the eye, and expertise, to detect health issues that individuals may be unaware of. They can also provide knowledge, resources, and support so that you are empowered to engage in your own healthcare. Call Southern Maryland Medical Group to consult with a member of our team today.