Preventive Care Specialist

What is preventive care?

Preventive care is medical care that identifies problematic health patterns in their early stages and then takes steps to prevent disease or a medical crisis like a heart attack or stroke. 

In addition, preventive care includes proactive health measures to greatly reduce your risk of disease long-term, even if you currently have no signs of illness. New Wave Physicians Group recommends annual preventive care exams for everyone. 

What types of preventive care screenings do I need?

New Wave Physicians Group tailors your health screenings to your age, medical history, and other individual needs. But, everyone needs screening for:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High blood sugar and Type 2 diabetes
• Depression and other mental health issues
• Infectious diseases - hepatitis C and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Cancer - skin, colorectal, lung, and other types of cancer

Screening needs can change as you age. For example, in general, women need osteoporosis screening at age 65 and men at age 70. 

Men's health needs are sometimes different than well-woman care, so you may also need specific screenings based on your sex. For example, men may need a prostate cancer screening, and women may need breast and cervical cancer screenings. 

Which preventive care vaccinations do I need?

Screenings are only one aspect of your preventive care at New Wave Physicians Group. You also receive vaccines, like the flu vaccine, to prevent illness once a year. 

If you didn't receive a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine during adolescence, you need it as part of your preventive care as an adult. Everyone also needs a Tdap booster every 10 years.

Depending on your age and health status, you may need a shingles vaccine and a pneumonia vaccine.

How does preventive care help me if I'm at risk for chronic disease?

Preventive care helps you make changes in your life with the goal of improved wellness. If you're at risk for (or already have) a chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other health threats, preventive care at New Wave Physicians Group helps you to take action to protect your health and avoid progression. 

That includes help with:

• Weight loss
• Quitting smoking
• Improving nutrition
• Implementing an exercise plan
• Managing stress levels
• Treating depression or anxiety

You may also need medication to reduce your risk of health complications, but with most common diseases, a healthy lifestyle is just as crucial as medication. 

To learn more about how preventive care can safeguard your health, call New Wave Physicians Group or book an appointment online.