August 13, 2015 -- Early detection is the best prevention. Getting the right preventive care at every stage of life can help everyone stay healthy and lead productive lives, avoid or delay the onset of disease, keep diseases from becoming worse or debilitating, and reduce national health care costs.
“Prevention should be woven into all aspects of our lives, including how we live, work and play,” Capt. Paula Chamberlain, Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Florida, director for public health, said. “I encourage everyone to see their primary care manager and get recommended screenings, even if you feel fine. And learn to recognize any abnormal changes in your body and bring them to your doctor’s attention for optimal treatment. Quite simply, we should put prevention in practice every day and in every way.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes are responsible for seven of 10 deaths among Americans each year and account for 86 percent of the nation’s health care spending. Through a healthy lifestyle, regular checkups, screenings and vaccinations, however, these often called “diseases of choice” can be prevented or avoided all together.
Practicing a healthy lifestyle includes good nutrition, exercise, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol. Personal hygiene and getting the right amount of sleep are also essential.
Vaccinations are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. They can save lives and protect future generations.
Adults, teens and children should get regular medical and dental checkups to help find problems before they start or to find them early when chances for treatment and cure are better. Older adults should also add eye exams to the list of recommended checkups. Women need regular pap tests, mammograms (starting at age 40), pregnancy and well-women checkups as needed. Recommended screenings include, but are not limited to hearing, cholesterol, cancer (breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate), colorectal (starting at age 50), diabetes, hepatitis, human immunodeficiency and sexually transmitted infections.
Naval Branch Health Clinic Albany’s Medical Home Port team is committed to health, readiness and providing comprehensive health care needs to its patients — urgent, preventive and routine. Its Health Promotions offers a variety of programs and classes centered on improving overall health such as nutrition, tobacco cessation, weight management and health fitness.
Understanding age and gender preventive health guidelines can play a significant role in personal health and preventing disease and illness before occurring.
Be active in prevention; schedule an appointment with a primary care manager by calling 229-639-7884/7886.
For immunizations drop by or call 229-639-7815. For more on health promotion programs and classes stop by or call 229-639-7964.