As a busy professional, you know how your health impacts your productivity and work quality. However, there’s one area you can’t afford to overlook: preventive health. It’s more than just a buzzword – it’s a critical approach to maintaining well-being and avoiding diseases before they become serious.
Here’s why ignoring preventative health shouldn’t be an option and four practical strategies for incorporating it into your life.
What is Preventative Health?
There are three types of preventative health, but all are intended to help you either proactively prevent illnesses or detect illnesses as early as possible to allow for better care. The three types include:
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- Primary prevention, or measures taken to prevent diseases, such as staying up to date on vaccinations and making healthy lifestyle choices.
- Secondary prevention includes early detection and prompt intervention via regular doctor check-ups and recommended health screenings.
- Tertiary prevention is managing and reducing the impact of chronic illnesses through rehabilitation, chronic disease management, and other efforts.
Primary and secondary prevention can help you avoid the need for tertiary prevention.
Adopting a proactive approach to health care yields numerous advantages, such as enhanced well-being, a decreased likelihood of illness, diminished long-term medical expenses, and increased efficiency. In essence, you’re more apt to enjoy an extended, fulfilling existence, free from the burden of costly medical interventions or significant work absences.
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By providing your email address, you agree to receive email communication from ArootahThe Risks of Ignoring Preventive Health
You might argue that you haven’t paid much attention to preventative health before and have managed well. So, what’s the incentive to begin now?
The absence of negative events to date doesn’t guarantee continued good fortune. Overlooking preventive health measures can lead to severe repercussions, such as a heightened risk of enduring ailments, escalating medical expenses, and a diminished standard of living. To substantiate this point, consider the following statistics:
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- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are responsible for 7 out of 10 deaths each year in the U.S. Sadly, many of these chronic diseases can be mitigated with the right preventative health measures.
- A study by the American Public Health Association found that preventive care can save the U.S. healthcare system approximately $3.7 billion annually.
- Poor health can decrease productivity and absenteeism, costing employers an estimated $225.8 billion annually.
As you can see, ignoring preventive health jeopardizes individual well-being and has significant economic ramifications.
4 Ways to Embrace Preventive Health
So, how do you begin taking preventative health and wellness more seriously? Here are four strategies to help you get started.
1. Get Regular Health Screenings
Regular health screenings and check-ups can significantly improve health outcomes by catching issues early when they are most treatable. Seeing your primary care provider annually and having the associated blood work done can help detect conditions like high blood pressure. Likewise, getting certain screenings can detect early-stage cancers and increase your likelihood of survival. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 45-54 get annual mammograms, while people aged 50 and over should undergo regular colorectal cancer screenings.
2. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Many day-to-day choices can either lower or increase your risk of chronic illness.
What you eat can greatly impact your overall health, and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Likewise, regular exercise can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The World Health Organization suggests at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
A healthy sleep schedule will improve overall well-being while supporting your immune system and brain health. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults.
3. Manage Stress
Stress doesn’t just impact your mental health. It can heavily impact your physical health as well. Chronic stress is linked to a range of health issues, including heart disease and a weakened immune system. As such, mental health should be prioritized as an integral part of preventive health, with effective stress management strategies in place.
Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Even short sessions make a difference. If you’re dealing with external stressors, such as excessive demands on your time, practice prioritizing and setting boundaries with others. If needed, seek out professional help via therapy or counseling.
4. Avoid Harmful Behaviors
Harmful behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcoholic consumption, and other substance abuse can heighten your risk for chronic disease and cancer. Smoking is a leading cause of cancer and heart disease, while excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease and other health issues.
If you struggle with limiting these harmful behaviors, you can find help through smoking cessation programs, alcohol reduction programs, or substance abuse treatment.
The Bottom Line
As Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Preventive health is essential for maintaining overall well-being and avoiding serious health issues. By understanding the risks of ignoring health, adopting proactive measures, and overcoming barriers, you can significantly improve your quality of life.
Need more help? Explore Arootah’s health coaching services that can help identify areas where you may struggle and provide you with strategies for forming healthy habits.
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