You may have heard the saying “prevention is better than cure”. It holds valuable meaning in various areas of life, but health is one of the most potent. In this, article we’ll delve into what preventative healthcare is and how you can make the most of it.

What is preventative healthcare?

Preventative healthcare focuses on early detection and intervention to prevent illnesses and long-term health problems. This approach encompasses a range of medical services, practices and lifestyle choices to prevent or identify health problems before they become more severe.

The opposite is reactive healthcare. This is when illnesses and conditions are treated after they have already developed and become noticeable. Preventative healthcare, including regular check-ups, vaccinations and screenings, can help you avoid significant health issues and live a happier, healthier life for longer.

Different types of health screenings

Health screenings are central to a preventative healthcare approach. They help to detect diseases and conditions early when they are most treatable. Some of the most common include:

• Cancer screenings: These include mammograms for breast cancer, smear tests for cervical cancer and faecal immunochemical tests for bowel cancer. Early detection of all types of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
• Cardiovascular screenings: Tests that provide insight into the functioning and health of your heart include blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests and ECGs. Risk factors linked to heart disease and stroke can be assessed.
• Diabetes screenings: Blood glucose tests can detect prediabetes and catch diabetes early, allowing for lifestyle changes and treatment to prevent complications.

Accessing preventative measures

If you’re aged 40 to 74 and do not have any pre-existing conditions, you could be eligible for a free NHS Health Check. This can give you a good understanding of your overall health and tell if you’re at higher risk of certain problems.

Vaccinations are another crucial preventative measure. Staying up to date with jabs helps protect against infectious diseases. These should be readily available at your GP surgery or certain pharmacies offering vaccination services.

More commonly these days, preventative measures and screening tests can be done from the comfort of your own home. Home STI test kits offer convenience, allowing you to rule out infections without visiting a clinic.

Preventative lifestyle choices

There are many things you can do to help prevent serious health complications. Your habits have a direct impact on your wellbeing.

Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol and getting enough sleep should have a significant impact on your health if you’re consistent over the years.

Your health is more important than anything – protect it.

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