Preventing illness and disease: Immunizations, screenings, and early detection

Early detection as prevention 

Many common illnesses and diseases can be prevented or at least minimized by early detection. This includes common conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, which can be easily diagnosed with a visit to your primary care provider along with some routine blood tests. These diseases can often be improved or reversed with lifestyle changes such as a diet low in ultra processed foods, regular exercise, minimizing salt intake, and maintaining a healthy weight. Managing these illnesses early after diagnosis leads to better outcomes, less complications such as heart disease and stroke, and a longer healthier life.  

Understanding screening tests for cancer prevention 

There are also screening tests recommended based on your age and risk factors to help uncover various cancers. Again, earlier detection leads to improved quality of life. These tests include mammograms for breast cancer and pap smears for cervical cancer in women and PSA lab testing for prostate cancer in men. Colon cancer screening has several approved testing options that should be discussed with your provider to determine the best option. There are pros and cons to each approach along with eligibility requirements for each test. If you have been a regular smoker of at least one pack a day for at least 20 years, you may qualify for lung cancer screening if you are at least 55 years of age. This testing also has other requirements that must be met. 

The importance of immunizations for children and adults 

Immunizations are another way to either prevent or minimize infections, many of which can be life threatening, along with some cancers. For children, series of vaccines are recommended at specific ages due to their less developed immune systems. These are not only for younger children and babies, but also those in the age range of 11-18. For adults, regular boosters are recommended to reduce infections such as Shingles, Pneumococcal pneumonia, RSV, Covid-19, Influenza, among others. It’s important to know your risk factors and make an informed decision to remain healthy.