Live Well: The Power of Prevention

Prevention is about taking action to protect your health. Detecting health problems early may help prevent or slow the progression to a more complicated medical condition.

Preventive care includes staying current on relevant health screenings, practicing self-care, and visiting your healthcare provider regularly for check-ups. Routine care helps you maintain good health, save on medical expenses, and live longer.

There are 3 main categories of health prevention:

1. Primary Prevention is when you make healthy lifestyle choices that reduce your risk of illness. Examples include healthy eating, getting vaccinations, and being physically active.
2. Secondary Prevention is when you stay current with recommended screenings and testing to help identify health concerns in the earliest stages.
3. Tertiary Prevention is when you take proactive steps to manage an existing condition in order to slow its progression and avoid complications.

The most powerful prevention plans incorporate strategies within all relevant categories.

Another aspect of prevention is learning how to recognize changes in your health. When you notice a change, it is important to connect with a member of your healthcare team without delay.

Here are just a few examples of changes that warrant a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Feeling a lump or growth anywhere on your body
• A fever that is above 103˚ Fahrenheit (39.4˚ Celsius) or lingers for more than three days
• A cough that will not go away
• Unexplained body aches or pains
• Severe or intense pain anywhere in your body
• Changes in your bowel movements or blood in your stool
• Moles or growths on your skin that have gotten worse
• Unexplained weight change

Detecting health issues before they become more advanced is a key element of prevention. If you recognize a change in your health, take immediate action and seek guidance from a medical professional. For midwives, Virtual Care from Dialogue is also a convenient option if you live in a remote location or have scheduling challenges.