Preventative Health
Taking Charge of Your Health. And Your Life.
Preventative health care is about maintaining your health and wellbeing and preventing health issues before they occur. Many health conditions can be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes and early detection.
By working closely with your GP and following healthy lifestyle habits, you can take charge of your health and reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions.
Preventing Lifestyle-Related Health Conditions
Many health conditions are linked to lifestyle choices, and by making changes to your lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of developing these conditions. Here are some examples:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Cancers (various types)
- Mental Health Conditions
GP’s play a critical role in helping patients to manage their physical and mental health conditions.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. However, it is largely preventable through lifestyle changes such as;
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is also largely preventable through lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a healthy diet can all help reduce your risk of developing the condition.
Cancer
While not all cancers are preventable, many lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer. These include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol intake.
Mental Health Conditions
Good mental health is essential for overall wellbeing. Practices such as mindfulness, exercise, and seeking help when needed can all help prevent the onset of mental health conditions.
Preventing Subtle Health Issues
Not all health issues have immediate warning signs, and it’s important to take steps to prevent these issues from developing.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to fractures. By taking steps such as getting enough calcium and vitamin D and engaging in weight-bearing exercises, you can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
Hearing Loss
Many people experience hearing loss as they age. However, by taking steps such as wearing hearing protection and limiting exposure to loud noises, you can help prevent the onset of hearing loss.
Vision Loss
Age-related vision loss is also common, but it can be prevented or slowed through regular eye exams and wearing appropriate eye protection.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is largely preventable through avoiding excessive sun exposure and using appropriate sun protection measures such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing.
This service is not only limited to normal consults, patients can now access chronic disease management and mental health item numbers as well.
Early Detection
Regular check-ups with your GP can help detect health issues early, making them easier to manage or even prevent altogether. Some examples of health issues that can be detected early through regular check-ups include:
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Regular blood pressure checks can help detect high blood pressure early, making it easier to manage.
High Cholesterol
Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol often has no symptoms but can increase the risk of heart disease. Regular cholesterol checks can help detect high cholesterol early, making it easier to manage.
Skin Cancer
Regular skin exams can help detect skin cancer early, making it easier to treat and even cure.
Preventative health care is about taking charge of your health and reducing the risk of developing serious health conditions. By making healthy lifestyle choices, detecting health issues early, and working closely with your GP, you can help prevent health issues before they occur. Don’t wait until symptoms occur, make an appointment with your GP today to discuss preventative health measures and reduce your risk of developing serious health conditions.
