A Guide to Preventative Care

Taking care of your health before problems arise can save time, money, and stress. Preventative care includes regular check-ups, screenings, and healthy habits that help you stay well. No matter your schedule or lifestyle, there are ways to make it work.

Why Preventative Care Matters

  • Catches problems early – Finding issues like high blood pressure or diabetes early makes treatment easier.
  • Saves money – Preventing illness costs much less than treating serious conditions later.
  • Keeps you feeling your best – Good health means more energy for work, family, and daily life.

1. ​​Key Preventative Care Services

  • Regular Checkups & Screenings
    • Annual Physical Exam: A general health assessment with your primary care provider.
    • Blood Pressure Screening: Helps detect hypertension, a risk factor for heart disease.
    • Cholesterol Test: Recommended every 4-6 years for adults, or more often if at risk.
    • Blood Sugar Test: Screens for diabetes or prediabetes.
    • Cancer Screenings: Mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap smears, and prostate exams based on age and risk factors.
  • Vaccinations
    • Flu Shot: Recommended annually to prevent influenza.
    • COVID-19 Vaccine: Helps prevent severe illness.
    • Tetanus & Diphtheria (Td/Tdap): Every 10 years.
    • Pneumonia, Shingles, and Other Vaccines: Based on age and health conditions.
  • Healthy Lifestyle Choices
    • Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
    • Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
    • Sleep: Get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
    • Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques.
    • Avoid Smoking & Limit Alcohol: Reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases.

2. How to Fit Preventative Care Into Your Schedule

Finding time for doctor visits can be tough, but these tips make it easier:

  • Use clinics with flexible hours – Many health centers offer evening or weekend appointments.
  • Schedule ahead – Book check-ups in advance so you can plan time off if needed.
  • Combine appointments – If possible, get multiple screenings or vaccinations in one visit.
  • Ask about virtual visits – Some doctors offer phone or video visits for non-urgent care.
  • Use concierge or direct primary care services – Some healthcare providers offer memberships for priority access and same-day appointments.

3. Options for Preventative Care

  • Health & Wellness Clinics – Offer check-ups, screenings, and vaccines with pricing that varies based on service level.
  • Private Healthcare Providers – Offer faster scheduling and personalized services for those who prefer more flexibility.
  • Health Events – Some health fairs provide screenings for conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
  • At-Home Screenings – Some tests, like blood pressure monitoring, can be done at home with simple devices or at-home test kits.

🔗 Find a health center near you: HRSA Health Center Locator

4. Staying Up To Date With Recommended Vaccines & Screenings

Certain check-ups and vaccines are quick and may prevent future health problems:

  • Vaccines – Helping protect individuals and communities from serious illnesses is a key part of preventative care. They work by preparing the immune system to fight infections before exposure. They are important because:
    • Prevent diseases like flu, measles, and COVID-19.
    • Protect communities through herd immunity.
    • Can reduce medical costs and lost work time.
    • Safe and tested for effectiveness.
  • Blood Pressure Check – High blood pressure can be symptom-free but dangerous.
  • Diabetes Test – A simple blood test can catch diabetes early.
  • Cholesterol Check – Helps prevent heart disease and stroke.
  • Cancer Screenings – Pap smears, mammograms, and colon screenings can detect early warning signs.
  • Advanced Genetic & Wellness Testing – Some people choose personalized screenings, including DNA-based risk assessments and metabolic testing.

🔗 See the CDC Preventative Care Guidelines for the recommended screenings for your age 

5. Making Preventative Care Convenient

If getting to a doctor’s office is difficult, try these solutions:

  • Use transportation services – Many cities offer ride services for medical visits.
  • Check concierge or mobile health services – Some providers offer in-home visits for added convenience.
  • Try telehealth options – Video or phone appointments allow quick check-ins with doctors.
  • Choose a primary care provider with extended hours – Some offices offer early morning, late evening, or weekend appointments.
  • Know your resources – Some insurance companies will cover a portion of the cost for additional services like a nutritionist or meditation apps

6. Building Preventative Care Into Your Lifestyle

  • Set reminders – Mark your calendar for check-ups and screenings.
  • Write down questions – Bring a list of concerns to your doctor visits.
  • Ask about customized healthcare plans – Some providers offer specialized wellness plans based on your health needs. Taking small steps toward preventative care helps you stay healthier, avoid major medical bills, and enjoy life with fewer worries. Start with one simple action today!