Disease prevention is an important health goal, and thankfully, you and your primary care physician can work on it together. Let’s look at the components of the annual wellness visit and how your PCP can guide you on the road to better health.
The Wellness Visit
The annual wellness visit is foundational to primary care. This in-office assessment and consultation gives both you and your doctor measurable data on the physiological function of your body. Plus, it is an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, concerns, and medical history, including the hereditary and lifestyle factors that may impact your health.
Wondering why you have heartburn symptoms or feel short of breath in the cold weather? Your PCP can run tests to assess your GI function or listen to your breathing for signs of a respiratory infection, asthma, or COPD.
Plus, your PCP can review your current medications and order refills or changes in dosages, as needed. Interested in getting a referral for physical therapy for a painful shoulder? Your PCP can provide that for you at your wellness visit, too.
The Specifics of Disease Prevention
Staying well is not all about drugs and exercise to eliminate symptoms. Primary care physicians help patients prevent both acute and chronic diseases and conditions, and they coach both the young and old on the best ways to stay fit and injury-free.
Here are just some of the ways your PCP can assist you in disease prevention.
Checking Your Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Blood Sugars
Hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes are leading causes of heart attack and stroke in the United States. While we all come with certain hereditary risk factors, getting blood levels checked regularly with your PCP is a great way to know your numbers and to use the right medications and lifestyle changes to mitigate risks.
Ordering Cancer Screenings
Besides healthy eating and staying active, regular cancer screenings are great disease prevention tools. Whether you are a man in need of a DRE (digital rectal exam) for prostate cancer screening or a woman in need of an annual mammogram and Pap smear, you can get the referrals needed to get these tests done from your primary care physician.
Your PCP understands disease concerns and risk factors related to age, gender, diet, and more. Your doctor will refer you for specialized screening assessments, such as a colonoscopy beginning at age 45, to give you the peace of mind you deserve and to catch cancer early when it is easily treatable.
Helping You Quit Smoking
Your PCP has access to proven ways to kick cigarette addiction. These include nicotine patches, support groups, and more. Plus, your doctor can monitor your progress and show you how a tobacco-free life is a healthier life with improved lung and heart function.
Giving Vaccinations
Your PCP is a great resource for immunizations and vaccines. Many contagious diseases are preventable with immunizations from your doctor. Examples include shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and more. Get vaccinated to keep yourself, your family, and your community healthy.
Discuss (And Plan) Your Nutritional Diet And Exercise Routine
There are all kinds of information available online about how to eat healthily and stay active, but what’s best for you and your health goals? Your primary care physician can help you sort through it all, including which supplements and vitamins may benefit your physiological function.
Quality Primary Care and Preventive Services in Irmo, SC
At SC Internal Medicine Associates, our expert and caring providers prioritize wellness and disease prevention. Our wellness plans are carefully crafted according to individual needs, and we value open and frequent communication with patients.
To learn more about disease prevention, call us for a consultation with one of our PCPs: at (803) 749-1111, or request an appointment by filling in our online form. We hope to serve you soon!
