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As we approach the new year, many of us create resolutions focused on better health. While enthusiasm peaks in January, the secret to lasting wellness isn’t found in quick fixes or temporary lifestyle changes. Instead, it lies in embracing preventive care as a cornerstone of your health strategy.
Preventive care represents one of the most powerful tools we have in modern medicine, yet it remains underutilized. These proactive health measures — from routine screenings to vaccinations and wellness checkups — can identify potential problems before they become serious conditions, saving lives and improving quality of life for years to come.
The Power of Early Detection
Many chronic diseases develop silently over years. High blood pressure, diabetes and certain cancers often present no symptoms in their early stages. Regular preventive screenings allow health care providers to catch these conditions when they’re most treatable. For example, detecting high cholesterol early can prevent heart attacks and strokes through lifestyle modifications and medication. Similarly, routine cancer screenings have dramatically improved survival rates by identifying diseases in their earliest, most curable stages.
Long-Term Health Benefits
The impact of preventive care extends far beyond avoiding immediate health crises. When we address risk factors early, we reduce the likelihood of developing complications that can affect multiple body systems. Managing prediabetes, for instance, doesn’t just prevent diabetes — it also protects your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves from future damage.
Preventive care also means staying current with vaccinations, which protect not only you but also your community. Annual flu shots, pneumonia vaccines and updated boosters maintain your immune defenses against preventable diseases.
Cost-Effective Health Care
Beyond the personal health benefits, preventive care makes financial sense. Treating advanced disease is significantly more expensive than managing conditions early or preventing them altogether. A routine screening costs far less than hospitalization for a heart attack or cancer treatment. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover preventive services at no cost to patients, making this investment in your health more accessible than ever.
Building a Relationship with Your Health Care Provider
Regular preventive visits establish continuity of care with your physician. This ongoing relationship means your doctor understands your complete health history, family background and individual risk factors. They can provide personalized recommendations and catch subtle changes that might signal emerging health issues.
Taking Action Today
Don’t wait for Jan. 1 to put your health first. Schedule your annual physical or any overdue screenings now. Talk with your doctor about your family health history so you can better understand your risk factors and ask which preventive steps are right for your age and lifestyle.
Preventive care isn’t just about adding years to your life — it’s about adding life to your years. By staying on top of routine checkups and screenings, you’re building a strong foundation for long-term, vibrant health.
Internal medicine physician, Oscar A. Perez, MD, is dedicated to providing comprehensive, individualized care with a focus on prevention. Known for his patient-centered approach, he believes in building strong, trusting relationships with his patients. He takes a holistic approach to patient care, focusing not only on treating acute illnesses, but also on preventive care and health maintenance.
Dr. Perez understands the importance of listening to his patients’ concerns, thoroughly explaining diagnoses and treatment options and empowering them to take an active role in their health and wellness.
Passionate about patient care and community service, he has contributed to mission trips to Haiti, Venezuela and Cuba. Outside of medicine, Dr. Perez enjoys mountain biking and traveling with his wife and two children.
For more information about preventive care services at UF Health or to schedule your wellness visit, visit UFHealth.org/Central-Florida-Care or call 352-323-5665.
