Preventive Medicine is the branch of medicine pertaining to the prevention of disease and the taking preventative measures to keep one healthy, resist disease, and facilitate a prolonged life.
Some preventive medicine measures are simple, such as obtaining a vaccination (e.g., flu, pneumonia and childhood immunizations) that helps to prevent illness and disease. Some preventive measures are more challenging, such as incorporating daily exercise routines or eating well-balanced, low fat or low-carb meals.
Deciding to start a preventive care plan is the first step. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have and about the steps you can, or should take, in developing the best preventive plan for you. Your doctor may order baseline medical tests to monitor the progress and success of any change you implement (e.g., lab work and EKGs are the tests most typically ordered by physicians for this purpose).
As a diverse society, we all have our own way of implementing preventive healthcare changes into our daily routines. Some people may want to take things slow and start by simply cutting out that daily afternoon soda or candy bar; while others may take a more radical approach and completely alter their lifestyle to accommodate their new-found personal health mission. When you and your healthcare provider decide what the best and most successful approach for your preventative healthcare regime is, it is important to remember that starting is the single most important step, and that consistency is what drives results, and your determination will help your reach your goal.
For more information on preventive medicine/healthcare you may want to visit the external websites listed below. Please note that University General Hospital has placed these links for information purposes only and University General Hospital does not endorseany plan or product these sites may offer. University General Hospital advices that you speak to your healthcare provider about any and all preventive healthcare measures and actions you may decide to take.
http://www.hhs.gov
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us
http://www.prevention.com
