Speaking of keys, not only is Benjamin Franklin famous for the key and kite, but he also coined the phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” While he probably wasn’t referencing preventive health care, it certainly applies!
Preventive health screenings and annual physicals are incredibly important not only for early detection of potentially serious conditions, but also for the identification of results, or health measures, which could lead to chronic diseases if not treated early. As they say, you don’t know what you don’t know! Knowing your “numbers” can guide you in making healthier lifestyle modifications in order to halt or reverse the progression of potentially harmful and costly health conditions. A significant bonus is that preventive services and routine health screenings, including an annual physical, are free when delivered by a provider within your health plan’s network.
You may be asking – but how do I know which screenings to get and when? Check out these handy guides from the US Department of Health and Human Services. Preventive health screenings and primary care consultations have also significantly increased life expectancy, particularly among the 30- to 49-year age group.¹ According to the CDC, in 2015, only 8% of US adults aged 35 or older received all recommended, high-priority, appropriate clinical preventive services, and nearly 5% received none.²
With our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in our day to day and forget to schedule time with our provider. One strategy is to schedule your annual physical during your birthday month—what better way to celebrate another year of life than by investing time into helping ensure you have many more birthdays!
Your primary care physician can provide further guidance on any additional screenings appropriate for your age and medical history. Let’s raise a glass (of water) to that!
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Contact your primary care physician today to schedule your annual physical.
DON’T HAVE A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER?
No worries! Your insurance company can provide you a list of in-network providers.
Check out this video about “Making Your Health a Priority” and get a jumpstart on improving your health one day at a time. Your mind and body will thank you!
- Writers, S. (2021, July 22). Preventive care. PublicHealth.org. https://www.publichealth.org/public-awareness/preventive-care-schedule/.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, March 14). Health care industry insights: Why the use of preventive services is still low. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2019/18_0625.htm.
