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By Nektarios Demetriou, DO, and Pamela Couture, APRN, Family Medicine at Millennium Physician Group
It’s easy to wait until something feels wrong before seeing a doctor. But many severe health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or certain cancers can develop quietly, without apparent symptoms. That’s why preventive healthcare, also called
prophylaxis, is so important.
Preventive care is all about taking proactive steps to protect your health. It includes routine screenings, vaccinations, and regular checkups with your
healthcare team. These actions do more than reduce your risk of illness; they help catch problems early, manage your health risk factors, and support your overall health and well-being.
What Preventive Care Can Be For You
Your health is constantly changing, influenced by your age, lifestyle, and health history. Your healthcare team considers all these factors when recommending the right preventive care, at the right time, for you and your overall health, which can include:
• Annual wellness visits
• Blood tests and lab screenings
• Vaccinations
• Cancer screenings
• Eye and dental care
Why Preventive Care Matters
Your health is constantly changing, influenced by your age, lifestyle, and health history. Your care team
considers:
• Early Detection: Many serious health problems show no symptoms until they are advanced. Routine screenings and checkups can identify conditions early, when treatment is most effective.
• Longer Lifespan: Detecting disease early—or possibly preventing it altogether—can extend your life by reducing complications and promoting healthier aging.
• Better Quality of Life: Preventive care goes beyond physical health, including mental health support, substance use counseling, and guidance for healthy lifestyle choices.
• Reduced Healthcare Costs: Investing in prevention now often saves money later by avoiding expensive hospitalizations, surgeries, and complex treatments.
• Peace of Mind: Routine screenings reassure you that your health is on track – or detect issues early so you can make confident, informed decisions about your health.
Preventive Care at Every Stage
Your health needs change as you move through life, and preventive care is designed to meet you where you are.
For children and teens, preventive care focuses on their growth and development during these formative years. Regular pediatric visits ensure vaccines are up to date, monitor physical and emotional development, and set the foundation for healthy habits that last into adulthood.
When you reach adulthood, preventive care is essential for maintaining your health through routine screenings that monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Additionally, based on your personal and family health history, your primary care team will recommend annual screenings for cancers and certain chronic conditions.
As we enter our golden years, senior care focuses on managing chronic conditions, evaluating memory, mobility, hearing, and vision, and creating a custom plan that helps you maintain your independence for as long as possible. This often includes screenings for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.
Keeping Your Preventive Care on Track
Maintaining your health and wellbeing does not have to be overwhelming. Simple strategies can help you stay on track:
• Schedule Appointments: Book your appointment at the same time each year. As you leave, always schedule your next appointment as recommended by your care team.
• Set Reminders: Use your phone or calendar app to remind yourself of upcoming checkups, screenings, and vaccinations.
• Keep Personal Health Records: Track your lab results, vaccination history, medications, and any chronic conditions. This makes it easier to share information with any new health providers and monitor changes over time.
• Know Your Care Plan: Preventive care is personalized. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine which screenings are most appropriate based on your age, gender, family history, and lifestyle.
• Ask Questions and Stay Informed: Your healthcare team is there to guide you. Don’t hesitate to ask about why a test is recommended, how often you need it, and what the results mean. Being proactive in your knowledge helps you stay on top of your health.
Your Health Comes First at Millennium Physician Group
Preventive care is not about adding appointments; it’s an investment in your future. At Millennium Physician Group, our team-based approach combines the expertise of our medical providers with compassionate, personalized care. Every visit with us is focused on your preventive care – an opportunity to optimize your health, address risks early, and keep you moving forward. It’s how we connect you to a healthier life.
Attention Medicare-Eligible Patients: Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. This is the time each year to review your coverage and make any changes to your Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan. You can learn more at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
10311 Cross Creek Boulevard
Suites B, C, & D
Tampa, FL 33647
813.723.1303 | MillenniumPhysician.com
This information is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis or treatment. No physician-patient relationship is created by this or its use.