Preventative Care

In the U.S., millions of people neglect basic preventative care, despite its ability to prevent diseases and save lives.

What is preventative care?

Preventative care involves actions taken to prevent health issues that can occur later in life. It includes routine health checkups, screenings, healthy habits, and vaccinations.

What are the benefits of preventive care?

Reducing chronic diseases

According to the CDC, seven out of ten deaths in the U.S. are caused by chronic diseases, and many of which, such as diabetes and cancer, are preventable with early action.

Treating diseases effectively

By getting regular checkups, a person increases their chances of catching health issues early, when treatment is most effective. For instance, the five year survival rate exceeds 90% for most cancers when identified early on in its progression. Early detection can be life-saving, highlighting the importance of timely screenings and routine health evaluations.

Reducing costs

On average, every dollar spent on preventative care can save an estimated $5.60 in future healthcare costs by preventing the need for expensive treatments. Although this may not seem like a lot, this accumulates quickly, especially when you avoid hospitalizations.

Preventive care is crucial, yet much too often under-utilized in the U.S to prevent health issues and reduce financial burdens. By prioritizing proactive care, individuals can protect their health and their futures.

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Works Cited

Institute of Medicine (US) Roundtable on Evidence-Based Medicine; Yong PL,

Saunders RS, Olsen LA, editors. The Healthcare Imperative: Lowering Costs and Improving Outcomes: Workshop Series Summary. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2010. 6, Missed Prevention Opportunities. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53914/

“Are You Up to Date on Your Preventive Care?" Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, May 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/prevention/preventive-care.html Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

“Preventative Care." Office of Disease Prevention and Health

Promotion https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/preventive-care Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.