Preventive Care

As we go through life, we build up natural immunity to many diseases. However, we never outgrow our need to keep immunizations up to date.

Immunizations not only protect us from getting diseases, they also help to prevent the spread of disease. The types of shots you need depend on your age, lifestyle and overall health. You should also consider any childhood diseases you had, the ages of the people you are around frequently, and any travel plans to go out of the country.

How Your Primary Care Doctor Can Help

Your doctor will provide recommendations for which shots you need and the schedule for your immunizations. Let them know if you are planning to travel out of the country or if you have been in contact with someone with a communicable disease.

Some risk factors for heart disease, heart attack and vascular disease, such as family history and genetics, are outside your control. But there are still many things that can be done to keep your heart and vascular system healthy.

A single risk factor makes you more likely to develop heart or vascular-related problems. The more of these risk factors you have, the more concerned you need to be about seeking prevention and treatment. Risk factors for heart disease, vascular disease and heart attack include:

• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Lack of physical activity.
• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Stress.
• Family history of heart attack, heart disease or vascular disease.

How Your Primary Care Doctor Can Help

Your health care provider is your top ally in protecting your heart and vascular health. Here's how your doctor will assess your cardiac health during your appointment:

• Order or review blood work, so you know your total cholesterol and blood sugar numbers.
• Record and monitor your weight and height.
• Review your personal risk factors for heart disease.
• Take your blood pressure.
• Talk to you about your family and medical history.
• Track any changes in your health.

Blood sugar (or glucose) is the fuel our bodies need for energy. Consistently high or low blood sugar levels usually need further investigation. High blood sugar levels may indicate prediabetes, type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Low blood sugar levels may be caused by dietary or hormonal imbalances, sepsis, or issues with the kidneys or liver.

How Your Primary Care Doctor Can Help

Your primary care provider will order or review an A1C blood test. This test examines your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. They will also review your symptoms, risk factors and run additional diagnostic tests if needed.

Your mental health is an important part of your well-being. Early intervention to help prevent additional health problems is important.

How Your Primary Care Doctor Can Help

Your primary care provider will ask you a series of questions at every annual visit to check in on your mental health. If you or your primary care provider raise any concerns, they can help connect you with a behavioral health expert.

Dietary and exercise habits can affect your health as much as medications and treatments. The food and movement choices that you make every day affect your weight, bone health, brain function, mental health and more.

How Your Primary Care Doctor Can Help

Your primary care provider can make recommendations to improve your diet or help you lose weight. Be prepared to share your eating and exercise habits and any diets you’re considering at your visit. Share any supplements or weight loss medications that you are taking.

Your provider can recommend ways to improve your routine to meet your goals. They can also help you manage any health conditions you have.

Additional services, such as nutrition counseling and weight loss services, may also be recommended.