Porter Hospital – Preventive Care is Investing in Your Future

Porter Hospital – Preventive Care is Investing in Your Future

Perhaps one of the best investments we can make is taking charge of our health. And while we can’t always control what our bodies will do, especially when it comes to genetics, there are several steps we can take to help detect and prevent diseases.

The providers with Porter Physician Group are here to help patients decide what screenings and immunizations they need at different points in their lives. Here are some to consider. Porter Physician Group accepts most insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, and many services may be covered at no cost to you. Schedule an appointment today by calling 844-PPG-DOCS, or visit porterphysiciangroup.com.

Screenings

Blood Pressure – Keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range can help you avoid heart and vascular disease in the future. Conditions like heart attack, stroke, clogged arteries, and heart failure all are related to blood pressure. Typically, a healthy blood pressure is 80/120. Talk to your doctor about your range and what it means for your health.

Cervical Cancer – According to the American Cancer Society, this screening is recommended every 1-3 years for women up to age 65 depending on their individual risk factors. Screening with a Pap test and an HPV test can help detect pre-cancerous conditions so they can be treated before cancer ever develops. The Pap test also can detect cancer.

Cholesterol - Keeping a healthy balance of both the “good” and “bad” cholesterol in your blood can help you decrease your chances of heart disease, and perhaps prevent it all together. Cholesterol levels can sometimes be managed by diet, and some people need medication. It starts with a blood test to see where your levels are, and if you need intervention.

Diabetes – Having a simple blood sugar test can help you determine if you either have diabetes, or are close to getting it. Diabetes is a dangerous condition that often goes undiagnosed until it has negative effects on the body – including kidney problems, vision problems, heart and vascular problems, and more. Type II diabetes can be prevented and sometimes even reversed with proper management.

Mammogram – Regular screening mammogram for women age 40 and older is a proven way to help detect cancer in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable.

Immunizations

Flu – Having a flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to avoid getting this troublesome seasonal illness, which can be deadly. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are most at risk. Talk to your provider about the flu vaccine and get the facts.

Shingles – Those who have had chicken pox have the shingles virus already in their body. It can become activated any time. It can also be prevented with vaccine. Talk to your doctor about the shingles vaccine.porterpreventivecare2017