Preventive Care

What is preventive care?

Preventive care is a branch of medicine that focuses on preventing illness and supporting your overall health. You don’t need to be sick or experiencing any symptoms to benefit. 

Many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, develop slowly without warning. Routine preventive care can help catch potential problems early and provide peace of mind.

What does preventive care involve?

At KC Cares Med, Dr. Smith offers various preventive care services. 

Annual wellness exams

An annual wellness exam is a routine checkup that assesses your general health. 

During a wellness exam, Dr. Smith asks about your lifestyle, including your diet, sleep, and exercise habits; reviews your health history; and completes an assessment of your overall health.

If he identifies any areas of concern, he can refer you to a lab for testing or a specialist.

Preventive screenings

Preventive screenings, such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and Pap tests, make it easier to identify potentially serious conditions, such as colon, breast, and cervical cancer. 

Dr. Smith makes you aware of when these are needed and provides referrals when necessary. 

Counseling and education

Sometimes, living your best life means changing certain habits. For example, if you have food allergies, you might need to avoid certain foods to prevent an allergic reaction. If you want to lose weight, you might need medication management or exercise guidance. Dr. Smith regularly provides personalized counseling and education to assist in these efforts. 

Vaccines

Vaccines train your immune system to identify harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. Staying current with your vaccines can help protect your health. Dr. Smith explains the recommended vaccines by the CDC for you based on your health and age. One of the most common is the flu vaccine, received once a year.

Does everyone need preventive care?

Yes. Preventive care is important for everyone, regardless of age, sex, or gender identity. Many health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, don’t present obvious symptoms. Routine preventive care can catch these and other issues when they’re easiest to treat. 

To schedule preventive care, call the KC Cares Med office or book your appointment online today.