Like most people, you probably visit the doctor when you get flu, cold or a fever. However, preventative care is the care you need to get to keep you healthy, and free from such infections, viruses and diseases.
According to Reuters, when researchers reviewed survey data from close to 2,800 people aged more than 35; they found that only 8 percent were seeking preventive medical services. This is a very shocking number considering how many individuals are concerned about their health and life expectancy.
When we talk specifically about preventive care in family medicine, we are talking about immunizations and vaccines usually to protect children from diseases that could be potentially life-threatening to something as basic as the flu.
In a wider context, prevention is the responsibility of an individual (eating healthy foods, staying away from tobacco products, being physically active) and the public authorities (offerings of disease screenings, vaccinations and educating the general population).
Preventing instead of curing could be the best summary of the aim of preventive care.
Why is Preventative Care in Family Medicine So Important?
Preventive medicine refers to the medical practices that are specifically intended to prevent any disease. Most preventative care, especially in regard to family medicine, takes place in children under the age of six with some of it spilling into teenage years and adulthood. Here are some ways in which it has affected personal lives as well as made an impact globally:
Eradication of Diseases
Preventative care is the only effective way to eradicate an infectious disease. One extremely important preventative care measure that is taken is the vaccine against polio. This disease used to leave hundreds of thousands of children paralyzed each year, but thanks to preventative care, the disease is almost eradicated world over. Other successfully eradicated diseases or diseases on their way to eradication include smallpox, rubella, mumps and measles to name a few.
Identifying and Preventing Potential Risks
Preventative care doctors aim to recognize genes, certain tendencies or risks a person has that make them inclined toward a certain disease. This could include anything from heart diseases to diabetes; certain recommendations can be made by the care giver to prevent the cause of such diseases.
Good Preventive Care Practices
The best practice to follow for preventative care is to get all children and infants vaccinated and immunized to ensure their safety and health. In adults, regular visits to the doctor along with recommended seasonal or yearly prevention practices should be put into effect.
Recommended Vaccinations in Children
Doctors will recommend what vaccines to get children and at what age; most of which will happen before the age of five. These vaccines will include everything from hepatitis A & B, polio, mumps, measles and rubella just to name a few.
Recommended Preventative Care in Adults
Mostly, adults should get their seasonal flu vaccines as well as HPV vaccines to prevent these extremely infectious diseases. Tetanus vaccines are also recommended as a preventative measure.
Where to Get Preventative Care
Preventative care in family medicine can be found at most hospitals and health care facilities. If you are looking for a Tucson family doctor in Arizona, we recommend Marty Giles M.D, P.C for all your family care needs.