Preventive Care Facts Everyone Should Know
Preventive care is the regular measures we take to prevent diseases like heart disease, lung disease, and infectious diseases. Preventive care may include regular check-ups, screenings, and immunizations.
Research has shown a significant drop in patients using their healthcare services since the pandemic began. This may be due to offices closing to stop the spread, rescheduling checkups and appointments, and prioritizing COVID-19 testing. The pandemic really took a toll on our ability to use the healthcare system for preventive care. As we enter the new year, it is essential to understand the importance of preventive care so we can encourage health and ward off as many illnesses and diseases as possible.
The following are 5 facts about preventive care, its benefits, and how you can start practicing it now.
1. Most health plans cover certain preventive services without charging a copay for network services
If your plan covers ACA Preventive Services, things like a blood pressure checkup, diabetes screening, and immunizations may be covered. Certain services don’t charge you copayment or coinsurance, even if your yearly deductible or out-of-pocket is not met. Make sure to check how your plan covers ACA Preventive Care.
2. Getting a flu vaccination may reduce the risk of flu illness
In truth, the best way to protect yourself from a disease is by getting a vaccination. The flu shot is one of the most available. According to the CDC, flu season reaches its peak between December and February. With this in mind, to reduce the risk of flu illness by 40-60%, consider getting a flu vaccine.
You can prevent getting infected by or spreading a virus by:
- Proper sleep
- Exercising
- Drinking plenty of water
- Eating healthy
- Staying at home when sick
- Washing hands
- Covering mouth when coughing
3. Annual checkups lower future healthcare costs
Participate in annual health visits to your doctor. If you’re experiencing health concerns or have questions, this is the time to ask for advice from a professional. Even healthy individuals find annual health exams helpful in keeping a close eye on wellbeing, especially as we age.
As an example, you may be at higher risk for a disease like diabetes based on your family history. Taking measures to prevent the disease with lifestyle changes and regular check-ups could save thousands in future medical costs. Adversely, if you ignore health issues, you could find yourself with expensive medical treatment bills in the future.
4. Preventive care increases your lifespan
A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that regular practice of five healthy habits including eating healthy, exercising regularly, keeping a healthy weight, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption daily, will extend a women’s life expectancy by 14 years and men by 12 years. It’s never too late to implement change and work on healthy habits.
5. Counseling services may serve as a form of preventive care
Counseling and therapy services are a covered service under most health plans as a copay or deductible expense. If one notices a decrease in their mental health in the initial stages, seeking help from a counselor shortens the duration of treatment when compared to those who ignore them. Ignoring side effects only wastes time that could have been spent changing one’s life for the better. If your company works with an EAP, make sure your employees are aware of the resources they have that can help them combat any issues they are experiencing. Personal health, financial stressors, drug, legal, emotional, stress, and other personal issues are some of the many factors that can be solved through this benefit. Utilizing these resources not only helps employee health and wellbeing, but it also boosts productivity.
Preventive care is crucial to helping you live a long and healthy life. With this in mind, regular check-ups and small lifestyle habits can add up to avoiding major illnesses and hefty medical bills in the future. Not all diseases can be prevented, but many can! Make small changes today to greatly impact your overall future health.