Preventive Care
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), seven out of 10 U.S. deaths are caused by chronic disease, while roughly half of the country's population has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, AIDS, or other conditions classified by the medical community as preventable.
Statistics like these signal a need for greater national emphasis on proven preventive approaches to health care. According to Healthy People, a federal program administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, routine cardiovascular exams alone save tens of thousands of adult lives each year, while vaccines save the lives of roughly 42,000 children on an annual basis. Preventive health screenings and primary care consultations have also been found to significantly increase life expectancy, particularly among the 30- to 49-year age group.
Featured Online Programs
To aid this effort, we compiled a lifetime health care schedule organized by age and covering the following preventive medical care recommended by the National Institute of Health (NIH):
- Vaccinations: Primarily given to children and young adults, vaccines boost the immune system and induce antigenic medication to prevent diseases like influenza, tetanus and measles. See our vaccine guide for an overview of the science and development of vaccines as well as the full vaccine schedule as recommended by the CDC.
- Check-ups: In addition to visiting a physician when an illness or injury occurs, annual or bi-annual check-ups allow your doctor to monitor your diagnostic readings (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) and, if necessary, prescribe medication and/or treatment to bring these readings up to healthy levels.
- Routine Tests and Exams: Particularly crucial for middle-aged and elderly patients, routine tests and exams check for chronic diseases and infections such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Important Disclaimer: The data and information in this article was derived from the National Institute of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and other authoritative medical sources. However, we strongly recommend speaking with a physician for a complete assessment of your individual needs as they pertain to preventive health care and medical treatment.