3 Reasons Why Preventive Medicine Is Important for Everyone

Visiting the doctor when you feel well might seem like a waste of time and energy, but it’s one of the best health investments you can make. As you get older, your risk of medical issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol increases. Routine checkups can catch these problems early and prevent them from worsening, helping you stay healthy.

At The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine, board-certified physician Lawrence Kacmar, MD, and our team offer preventive medicine to people of all ages, including physical exams, lab testing, and specialist referrals. Take a moment to learn the three biggest benefits of preventive medicine.

1. It catches health problems early

Chronic medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, typically develop slowly over months or years. However, these conditions often develop without obvious symptoms, meaning you could be at risk and not even know it.

Preventive care aims to help you avoid health problems and catch chronic conditions early, when they’re most manageable. Early intervention can slow their progression and significantly reduce your risk of complications and more serious problems, like heart attack and stroke.

2. It reduces long-term healthcare costs

Research shows that managing chronic medical conditions is expensive. For example, the average patient with type 2 diabetes pays between $3,300 and $4,600 a year to keep their blood sugar in check. And that’s with health insurance; the cost rises significantly higher for people without.

The good news? You can reduce these costs by scheduling a checkup at least once a year. An annual physical and lab work can spot prediabetes early, before it progresses to type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, healthy lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight are far more affordable than paying hundreds or thousands of dollars a month on prescription medications. Dr. Kacmar provides education and support to ensure you’re staying on track.

3. It promotes a healthier, longer life

Preventive medicine doesn’t just catch health problems early. It also teaches you how to live healthier. In fact, studies show that people who undergo preventive exams tend to live longer than those who don’t. That’s because preventive care educates you on healthy habits, including a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress management. 

By focusing on your well-being, you can minimize many of the factors that cause premature death, including inflammation, heart disease, and stress. It also helps you build a relationship with your doctor, which is another key part of living a long, healthy life.

Routine preventive medicine is one of the best ways for everyone to stay healthy regardless of age. To schedule a checkup, contact The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine today. Call our office in Aurora, Illinois, or book an appointment online.