Preventive care is healthcare you receive when you’re feeling fine to help you stay healthy. It includes checkups, screenings, and shots that can catch health problems early or stop them before they start.
Think of preventive care like changing the oil in your car. You don’t wait for the engine to break down. You take care of it ahead of time to keep it running well. The same goes for your body.
In this guide, you’ll learn what preventive care includes, why it matters for your health, and how it can save you time and money in the long run. We’ll also cover what services are available at different ages and how to get the most from your healthcare.
What Does Preventive Care Mean?
Preventive care means medical services that help you avoid getting sick in the first place. Instead of waiting until you have symptoms, preventive care aims to block or delay illness and disease while limiting the negative effects of chronic conditions.
These services help your doctor spot warning signs early, when problems are easier to fix. Getting preventive care reduces the risk for diseases, disabilities, and death.
The Three Types of Prevention
Doctors talk about three levels of prevention:
Primary prevention stops diseases before they happen. Getting a flu shot or exercising regularly are examples of primary prevention.
Secondary prevention finds diseases early when they’re most treatable. Cancer screenings and blood pressure checks fall into this category.
Tertiary prevention helps manage diseases you already have to prevent them from getting worse. If you have diabetes management, your doctor works with you to keep it under control.
Common Types of Preventive Care Services
Preventive care covers many different services based on your age and health needs.
Annual Checkups and Physical Exams
Your yearly checkup is the foundation of preventive care. During an annual physical, your doctor checks your overall health and looks for early warning signs.
During these visits, your doctor will:
- Check your blood pressure
- Listen to your heart and lungs
- Measure your height and weight
- Talk about your health habits
- Answer your questions
In 2022, there were about 61 preventive care visits for every 100 people in the United States. Women tend to go more often than men, with 77 visits per 100 women compared to 45 per 100 men.
Health Screenings
Screenings are tests that check for diseases before you have symptoms. Common screenings include:
- Blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol management testing
- Diabetes screening
- Cancer screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies, skin checks)
- Depression treatment screenings
Pap smears have prevented 105,000 to 492,000 cases of cervical cancer over the past 30 years. That’s the power of preventive screening.
Immunizations and Vaccines
Immunizations for adults protect you from serious diseases. You need different vaccines at different stages of life.
Common adult vaccines include:
- Flu shots (yearly)
- COVID-19 vaccines
- Tetanus boosters (every 10 years)
- Shingles vaccine (after age 50)
- Pneumonia vaccine (for adults 65 and older)
Vaccines save 42,000 children from dying of preventable diseases every year in America.
Counseling and Education
Your doctor can help you make healthier choices through counseling about:
- Quitting smoking
- Eating better
- Getting more exercise
- Managing stress
- Reducing alcohol use
This one-on-one guidance makes a real difference in helping people change their habits for good.
Why Preventive Care Matters for Your Health
Taking care of your health before problems start saves lives and improves quality of life.
Catching Problems Early
Many serious diseases don’t cause symptoms at first. By the time you feel sick, the disease may be harder to treat.
Mammograms have reduced breast cancer deaths by nearly 40% since 1990. Early detection gives you more treatment options and better chances of recovery.
For example, high blood pressure often has no symptoms. But left untreated, it can lead to heart attacks and strokes. A simple blood pressure check at your yearly visit can catch this problem early.
Preventing Diseases from Starting
Some preventive care stops diseases before they begin. About 80% of premature heart diseases and strokes can be prevented through lifestyle changes like healthy eating, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco.
Your doctor can help you understand your risk factors and take steps to lower them. If diabetes runs in your family, for instance, losing weight and exercising can help you avoid developing it yourself.
Living Longer and Healthier
Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for about 1 in 4 deaths in the United States, with 1 person dying every 33 seconds from heart disease. Many of these deaths could be prevented with better preventive care.
Regular checkups help you stay on top of your health. They give you a chance to discuss concerns with your doctor and make a plan to stay well.
Preventive Care at Different Life Stages
Your preventive care needs change as you get older.
Preventive Care for Children
Kids need regular well-child visits to track their growth and development. These visits include:
- Height and weight checks
- Developmental screenings
- Vision and hearing tests
- School physicals
- Sports physicals
- Childhood vaccines
Children under age 18 had 73 preventive care visits per 100 children in 2022.
Preventive Care for Adults
Adults need different screenings based on age and risk factors:
In your 20s and 30s:
- Blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol testing (if at risk)
- STI testing (if sexually active)
- Mental health screenings
In your 40s and 50s:
- All of the above, plus
- Diabetes screening
- Cancer screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies)
- Bone density tests (for women)
Ages 60 and up:
- More frequent screenings
- Additional vaccines
- Fall risk assessments
- Memory and cognitive checks
Adults aged 65 and older have 81 preventive care visits per 100 people, making them the age group most likely to get preventive care.
Preventive Care for Chronic Conditions
If you already have a health condition, preventive care helps keep it under control. Chronic disease management includes regular visits to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.
For people with heart disease management needs, preventive care might include more frequent blood pressure checks and cholesterol monitoring. Those with hypertension management requirements benefit from regular monitoring to prevent complications.
What’s Covered by Insurance
Most health insurance plans must cover certain preventive services at no cost to you. This includes:
- Annual wellness visits
- Recommended screenings
- Vaccines
- Counseling services
The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover these services without charging copays or deductibles. This applies to both private insurance and Marketplace plans.
What Counts as Preventive vs. Diagnostic Care
There’s an important difference between preventive and diagnostic care:
Preventive care is when you have no symptoms and the test is routine. Your annual checkup and regular cancer screenings are preventive.
Diagnostic care is when you already have symptoms or a concern. If you find a lump and get a mammogram, that’s diagnostic, not preventive.
This matters because insurance covers them differently. Preventive services are free, but diagnostic tests may require a copay.
Common Barriers to Preventive Care
Despite the benefits, only 8% of people in the United States receive all the preventive care recommended to them.
Cost Concerns
Even though preventive care is supposed to be free, many people worry about hidden costs. They fear that if a problem is found, the follow-up care will be expensive.
Some folks also don’t know which services are covered. They skip appointments because they think they’ll have to pay.
Lack of Time
Life gets busy. Between work and family, finding time for a doctor’s visit can be hard. Many people don’t get the preventive care they need due to barriers like not having a primary care provider or living too far from providers.
Not Knowing What You Need
Lack of awareness about recommended preventive services is a major barrier. Many people simply don’t know what screenings they should get or when.
Difficulty Getting Appointments
Some areas don’t have enough doctors. Getting an appointment can take weeks or months. This is especially true in rural areas.
How to Get the Most from Preventive Care
Taking charge of your preventive care is easier than you think.
Find a Primary Care Doctor
Having a regular doctor who knows your health history makes a big difference. Your primary care doctor can help you stay on track with screenings and preventive services.
At Yorktown Health Lisle, we build lasting relationships with our patients. We take time to understand your health goals and create a plan that works for you.
Know Your Family Health History
Understanding diseases that run in your family helps your doctor recommend the right screenings. Talk to your relatives about their health conditions and share this information with your doctor.
Schedule Regular Appointments
Don’t wait until you’re sick to see your doctor. Book your annual checkup and stick to it. Some people schedule it around their birthday so they remember every year.
Ask Questions
During your visit, speak up about any concerns. Ask your doctor which screenings you need and when. Make sure you understand why each test is important.
Keep Track of Your Numbers
Know your important health numbers:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Blood sugar
- Body mass index (BMI)
Write them down after each visit so you can see how they change over time.
What to Expect at Your Preventive Care Visit
Knowing what happens during a preventive visit can make you more comfortable.
Before Your Appointment
- Make a list of questions or concerns
- Bring a list of medications you take
- Update your family health history if anything has changed
- Bring your insurance card
During Your Visit
Your doctor will:
- Review your health history
- Do a physical exam
- Order any needed tests or screenings
- Talk about your lifestyle and health habits
- Answer your questions
- Make a plan for next steps
After Your Appointment
- Schedule your next visit before you leave
- Get any recommended tests or screenings done
- Follow through on lifestyle changes you discussed
- Keep your medical records updated
Special Types of Preventive Care
Some preventive services are designed for specific needs.
Work-Related Preventive Care
Some jobs require special health screenings. Work physicals make sure you’re healthy enough to do your job safely. These might include hearing tests, vision checks, or physical fitness assessments.
TB Testing
Certain workers, students, and travelers need TB test administration. This simple test checks for tuberculosis exposure.
Injury Prevention
Injury treatment is important, but preventing injuries is even better. Your doctor can suggest ways to stay safe at home, work, and during activities.
Managing Specific Conditions
Some preventive care focuses on specific health issues:
- Osteoporosis prevention and management helps protect your bones
- Respiratory disease management keeps breathing problems under control
The Role of Lifestyle in Prevention
Preventive care isn’t just about doctor visits. Your daily choices matter too.
Healthy Eating
What you eat affects your risk for many diseases. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
Your doctor can refer you to a nutritionist if you need help making better food choices. Some clinics also offer GLP-1 medicated weight loss programs, including Semaglutide for weight loss and Tirzepatide for weight loss for people who need extra support.
Regular Exercise
Moving your body every day lowers your risk for many diseases. You don’t need to run marathons. Just 30 minutes of walking most days makes a difference.
Not Smoking
Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death. Smoking is responsible for around 5 million deaths annually worldwide. If you smoke, your doctor can help you quit.
Managing Stress
Chronic stress hurts your health. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress is part of preventive care. This might include:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Getting enough sleep
- Spending time with friends and family
- Doing activities you enjoy
When to See Your Doctor Between Checkups
While preventive care focuses on staying healthy, sometimes you need care right away.
Acute Illness
If you get sick with a cold, flu, or infection, acute illness treatment can help you feel better fast. These aren’t preventive visits, but they’re important for your health.
New Symptoms
Don’t ignore new or unusual symptoms. Call your doctor if you notice:
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Persistent pain
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Unusual fatigue
- Any symptom that worries you
Early treatment of new problems can prevent them from becoming serious.
Making Preventive Care a Priority
Starting a preventive care routine is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Set Reminders
Use your phone or calendar to remind you when it’s time for screenings. Set up automatic reminders for:
- Annual checkups
- Flu shots
- Cancer screenings
- Dental cleanings
- Eye exams
Bring Your Family Along
Making preventive care a family habit sets a good example for kids. When everyone in the family sees the doctor regularly, it becomes normal and expected.
Track Your Progress
Keep a simple health journal. Write down:
- When you had each screening
- Your test results
- Questions to ask at your next visit
- Health goals you’re working on
This helps you stay organized and see your progress over time.
Final Thoughts
Preventive care is your best tool for living a long, healthy life. Regular checkups, screenings, and vaccines help catch problems early when they’re easier to treat. They can even stop diseases before they start.
About 80% of premature heart disease and strokes can be prevented with the right care and lifestyle choices. That’s a powerful reason to make preventive care a priority.
Don’t wait until something feels wrong. Take charge of your health today by scheduling your next preventive care visit. Your future self will thank you.
Ready to start your preventive care journey? Contact Yorktown Health Lisle to schedule your appointment. Our caring team is here to help you stay healthy at every stage of life.