Preventive Health Care

What is preventive health care?

Preventive health care is medical care that detects health problems early, prevents illnesses, and promotes good health. At Northeast Florida Internal Medicine, the team believes that staying one step ahead is vital to providing the highest level of care to their patients, so preventive care is a major focus of physical exams. 

What does preventive health care encompass?

Preventive health care includes physical exams, lab testing, diagnostic testing, diagnosis of medical problems, immunizations, and treatment planning. 

Education also plays a big role in preventive care. The team explains how lifestyle modifications can help you prevent disease. They may recommend weight loss management and other pathways to better health. 

If you’re living with a chronic disease, preventive health optimizes your treatment plan so the disease doesn’t worsen or lead to other health problems.

How does testing help with preventive health care?

Lab tests and diagnostics are two of the most powerful tools available to detect potential problems and diseases at the earliest possible time. Testing can find health trends over time, and such tests provide essential information about your body’s inner workings, long before you experience any symptoms of illness. 

Some of the lab, diagnostic testing, and other types of in-office tests you might need during your exam include:

• Blood sugar test 
• Cholesterol blood test
• Echocardiogram
• Renal ultrasound
• Carotid artery ultrasound
• Autonomic nervous system testing
• Bone density testing

The specific testing you need as part of your preventive care depends on a few factors, including your sex, age, and medical history. For example, the risk of osteoporosis and related bone fractures sharply increases after menopause, so if you’re female, you’ll typically have that test starting at age 65.

Based on your test results and health needs, you could also need advanced testing. The team may refer you to a specialist for additional care. They coordinate your care with that specialist so you’ll always know what’s going on and what you should do to protect your health.

The proactive, preventive health care program at Northeast Florida Internal Medicine provides you with the knowledge and resources to prevent serious diseases. The team is waiting to customize a personalized plan for you, so call the office or schedule your appointment online today.