Your Primary Partner In Preventive Care

Many people only visit the doctor when sickness strikes or a chronic illness flares up. However, a good primary care physician (PCP) can play an important role in both treating illness and helping to prevent future health problems. Yearly visits to the PCP can help people maintain optimal health and avoid future diseases. In addition to performing a complete physical check-up, a PCP may suggest the following preventive care lifestyle changes.

1. Quit or cut back on vices

Plain and simple, cigarette smoking is terrible for overall health. The habit can increase the risk of asthma, cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and stroke. A PCP can help patients quit or cut back on smoking by offering nicotine alternatives, such as a patch or gum. The primary care provider can also direct the smoker to a local quit line for additional support. Alcohol is another vice known to increase risks when consumed in excess. A PCP may suggest cutting back on drinking or eliminating the habit entirely, depending on the individual’s underlying health.

2. Manage stress

Between the never-ending demands of work, family, and friends, stress is an inevitable part of modern life. However, how a person responds to ongoing stress can make a big difference in health outcomes. A PCP will talk to the patient about how stress is currently managed. If poor coping habits, such as drinking or smoking, are in use, the doctor will likely recommend finding alternatives. Meditation, yoga, exercise, and mindfulness are all modalities worth trying. Consistency is key when managing stress, so finding stress reduction techniques that are easy to perform daily is important.

3. Prioritize exercise

When performed consistently, exercise has many health benefits. Working out helps control weight, combat disease, boost energy, improve mood, and even promote better sleep. Most adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week. Exercise doesn’t have to be tedious. A PCP may suggest group exercises such as Pilates, spin, or a running club to help with motivation. Low-impact workouts like swimming or walking may be the better choice for older adults.

Prioritize wellness, stay healthy

A yearly visit to a PCP is a great time to check in on overall health. Depending on the underlying health conditions a person has, the doctor may suggest different strategies to prevent further exacerbation of the illness. For people in good health, prevention is an even more important tactic to avoid future disease. Quitting vices like smoking and drinking, managing stress effectively, and prioritizing exercise are all great prevention strategies a PCP may suggest. Small daily changes can add up to significant health improvements.