We all want to be healthy. But can we avoid getting sick? Maintaining good health and living a healthy lifestyle embodies preventative care. It is perhaps more important to put an emphasis on preventative care than it is to have reactive procedures in place in order to address our health. Preventative care reduces our risks of developing diseases, expands our life expectancy, and improves the overall quality of our lives. In addition, preventative care is more cost effective than reactive care. 

Maintaining good health could make the difference between life and death. Preventative health measures could detect early symptoms that can be treated and eradicate any potential health risks. There are a number of awareness initiatives in place in order to educate people on their health and well-being. There are designated days, weeks and months that are dedicated to bringing awareness to illnesses and diseases and their preventative care. Such examples are Psychology Month in February, Nutrition Day and Obesity Day in March, and Migraine Awareness Month in June. In fact, there is a brand new focus on Preventative Health Awareness Month that had its inaugural debut in February of 2023. 

Preventative Health Awareness Month gears to focus on educating individuals and groups about living a healthier lifestyle and feeling as best as possible. The philosophy is that waiting until it’s broken puts a strain on the healthcare system and strain on the quality of life. 

Some examples of preventative care includes using food as medicine to help us live longer, and doing aerobic fitness three times a week to reduce the risk for heart disease. Educating ourselves with the world and implementing the use of the resources around us guarantees an improvement in our overall well-being. 

In this article, let’s explore other important areas of preventative care.

The Fundamentals of Preventative Care

Preventative Care centers around living and maintaining a healthy and optimal lifestyle, and reducing the risk, or lessening the severity of developing diseases and illnesses. The objective is to reduce the risk of disease and to live a healthy lifestyle. Promoting physical activity and healthy eating are some of the measures that can be taken in preventative care in order to live healthy. Preventative care also detects disease and illnesses early, while they are still treatable, in order to provide proper treatment and avoid something more serious. 

Your doctor or health care professional can educate you about the preventative care benefits that exist. Regular visits with your doctor for procedures such as blood tests, mammograms, and blood pressure checks, and administration of vaccines and immunization are essential for implementing good measures in order to live optimally. Preventative care manages and controls chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma and heart disease. More so, preventative care benefits include plans for weight loss, smoking cessation, and substance abuse prevention. Preventative care benefits also include access to mental health professionals for therapy and counselling.

Exploring the Advantages of Preventative Care

Preventative care benefits are superfluous and they don’t go unnoticed. In addition to improved overall health and early disease detection, preventative care is also cost effective on both large and small scales. We can take a further look at some more of the advantages of preventative care.

Physical Activity

As mentioned, promoting physical activity and eating healthy are some examples of ways to implement preventative care, but what exactly do these measures do? There are a number of health benefits to be gained from regular physical activity. One such benefit is improved cardiovascular health as physical activity strengthens the heart and increases blood circulation. Physical activity is also optimal for weight management which in turn helps reduce symptoms of diabetes and sleep apnea. Physical activity has also been proven to improve mental health by reducing anxiety and stress levels, and symptoms of depression. Exercise also keeps our minds sharp by increasing our ability to concentrate and by increasing our memory. Another preventative care benefit of physical activity is its ability to prevent diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and osteoporosis.

Eating Well

Eating healthy nutritious food can have similar effects on overall wellbeing. Some of the preventative care benefits of healthy eating include improved immune system, which would reduce chances of illness and reduce the severity of illnesses. Healthy eating provides us with the nutrients we need in order to develop and function properly. Eating a proper diet is essential for disease prevention from certain diseases like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and obesity and improves digestion and gut health.

Oral Hygiene

Preventative care benefits of good oral hygiene spans well beyond the molars. There is a clear connection between oral health and heart health, as plaque build up has been proven to cause cardiac arrest and can lead to other health issues such as respiratory infections and diabetes complications. And of course, poor oral hygiene also causes poor oral health and is the direct cause of oral diseases such as gingivitis, cavities and periodontitis.

Managing Multiple Sclerosis

4 Multiple Sclerosis symptoms can be managed through a drug called Ocrevus. Ocrevus is not fully covered by public health care and is in fact quite costly. There are Ocrevus infusions that are typically administered every 6 months, and the yearly cost of Ocrevus in Canada is approximately $33,000 a year – with only a portion of this total being covered by publicly funded health care. 

In light of the challenges posed by the high cost of Ocrevus, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize preventative care strategies for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). While Ocrevus plays a significant role in managing MS symptoms, focusing on preventative measures can potentially reduce the likelihood of disease progression and the need for expensive treatments. Emphasizing preventative care encompasses a range of approaches, including regular medical check-ups, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and implementing strategies to manage stress. Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, managing weight, and avoiding smoking are all essential components of preventive care that can positively impact the overall well-being of individuals living with MS. Additionally, proactive communication with healthcare providers and adherence to recommended screenings and immunizations can aid in early detection and prevention of potential complications. By promoting preventative care, we can strive to reduce the burden of expensive treatments like Ocrevus while striving for better long-term health outcomes for individuals with MS.

Diabetes

Insulin is used to treat the symptoms of diabetes by lowering the spike in blood sugar levels. For individuals with type 1 diabetes, insulin is crucial for survival. And just like Ocrevus, Insulin is quite costly.

In the realm of diabetes management, preventative care holds immense significance in promoting overall health and reducing the reliance on costly treatments like insulin. While insulin is essential for individuals with type 1 diabetes to survive and control their blood sugar levels, the expenses associated with its usage can create financial burdens. This underscores the importance of prioritizing preventative measures to effectively manage diabetes. Emphasizing a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a well-balanced diet, and weight management can contribute significantly to preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes, which often requires insulin treatment. Additionally, proactive monitoring of blood sugar levels, regular check-ups, and adherence to recommended screenings and examinations can aid in early detection and intervention. By focusing on preventative care, individuals can work towards reducing the risk of complications associated with diabetes, potentially minimizing the need for intensive and costly interventions such as insulin therapy.

High Cholesterol

Statins are used for lowering cholesterol levels amongst individuals who suffer from high cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to serious diseases in the body, some of them which can be deadly such as cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, hypertension and pancreatitis.

Preventative care plays a crucial role in managing high cholesterol and reducing the reliance on medications like statins. While statins are effective in lowering cholesterol levels, focusing on preventative measures can help individuals mitigate the risk of developing serious and potentially life-threatening conditions associated with high cholesterol. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, individuals can proactively manage their cholesterol levels and reduce the need for extensive pharmacological interventions. This includes following a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels, along with routine medical check-ups and screenings, allows for early detection of any abnormalities and timely interventions. By prioritizing preventative care, individuals can strive to maintain optimal cholesterol levels, thereby minimizing the risks of cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, strokes, hypertension, and pancreatitis.

Coverage for Preventative Care

Coverage for preventative care is available in a number of different ways. The Canada Health Act enforces the publicly funded system that provides some coverage for preventative care that differentiates by province. The most accessible resource available to Canadians for preventative care coverage is access to a doctor or other health care professional. 

In addition to private health care that only provides a limit to preventative care coverage, there are also private insurance companies that offer policy plans that provide more extensive coverage for preventative care. Insurance plans that offer coverage for preventative care can vary from healthcare insurance plans to health and wellness plans. The plans are typically customizable and offer coverage for things like medical equipment and supplies, prescription drugs and paramedical services such as chiropractor and psychological counselling. Private health insurance is typically either partially or fully sponsored by an employer, or can be purchased individually via an insurance company or brokerage. For Canadians who qualify, there is also the Ontario Drug Benefit which provides coverage for prescription drugs and certain vaccines. 

Health Spending Accounts are provided by some employers, which allows employees to set aside a sum of their pay before taxes to be used for eligible healthcare expenses. 

Understanding preventative care coverage is essential for fully optimizing your insurance coverage and your health. Preventative care could mean early detection and prevention of potential health issues. Understanding your preventative care coverage means proactively seeking necessary screenings and treatments in order to help prevent serious health conditions. 

Understanding your preventative care coverage also means that you can personalize your healthcare planning. You can schedule the necessary screenings and check-ups based on recommendations by your healthcare provider.

Implementing Preventative Care for Employees

It is necessary for employers to implement the appropriate provisions in the workplace providing preventative care benefits to their employees in order to see a more successful work environment. 

By having preventative measures in place, employers will see a great reduction in absenteeism and in healthcare costs and an increase in productivity. Preventative care for employees will ensure an improvement in employee health. Preventative care for employees boosts employee satisfaction and morale since having the benefits in place demonstrates the employer’s commitment to the health and well-being of their employees. 

Employee well-being is essential for both individuals and organizations as everyone benefits from cost-savings. Early detection can spot a potential health risk before it becomes expensive and too costly to treat, especially if you are at the mid-income level in Canada without a healthcare plan. 

Having strategies in place to promote the preventative care for employees is encouraged. Implement regimes such as running educational and awareness campaigns on the available preventative care benefits. Ensure that this information is clear and always accessible. Have programs in place that challenge employees to live their best healthy life such as fitness challenges and smoking cessation competitions.

Conclusion: Embracing a Preventative Care Mindset

In conclusion, prioritizing preventative care is essential for promoting optimal health, longevity, and a better quality of life. By adopting a proactive approach to our well-being, we can reduce the risks of developing diseases and improve overall well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, practicing good oral hygiene, and managing chronic conditions are key elements of preventative care. These measures provide benefits such as enhanced cardiovascular health, strengthened immune system, disease prevention, and improved mental well-being. 

Implementing preventative care strategies is particularly important for individuals with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, and high cholesterol. By emphasizing prevention through healthy lifestyles, regular check-ups, and adherence to recommended screenings, individuals can potentially reduce the need for costly treatments and interventions. Understanding coverage options for preventative care, such as those provided by group benefits providers like Group Enroll, can help individuals access the necessary resources for their well-being.

A proactive approach to preventative care empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and work towards living their best, healthy lives. By prioritizing preventative measures, we can strive for better long-term health outcomes and a higher quality of life.