What’s the Point of Preventative Health Care?
“I’m fine; I don’t need a regular provider.”
“Those intrusive thoughts will go away….eventually.”
“Why should I schedule yearly appointments when my health always turns out OK? “
“My mental health hasn’t been that bad. I’ve only been a little more depressed than last fall.”
Suppose you resonate with any of these statements or downplay anything from a minor cough or sore throat to a panic attack. In that case, you’re like many people who underestimate the value of regular health care.
It’s easy to often prioritize physical health over mental well-being, or vice versa, neglecting the intricate connection between the two. However, neglecting your health in general can cause major problems later in life (or possibly even sooner, in some cases).
But why do we do this? Why are we so concerned about other areas of our lives but put our health on the back burner? Regardless of whether you think you’re the healthiest person on the planet or struggle with a few health problems here and there, attending a regular checkup with a healthcare provider is a necessary part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This is also called preventative healthcare.
Here are a few FAQs about preventative care and why it matters.
What is preventative care?
Preventative care is about taking proactive steps to protect your mental health and well-being; it’s about catching potential issues before they become major concerns. Examples of this type of care are:
- Regular mental health check-ups
- Screening for mental health conditions
- Staying up-to-date on procedures like mammograms, colonoscopies, and imaging (like an MRI or CT scan)
- Mindfulness practices and stress management techniques
- Healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise and nutrition
- Building a support network of loved ones and professionals
What are the benefits of preventative care?
An Aflac study looking at the average American’s beliefs on preventative care found that between 2019-2022, half of people 18+ admitted to skipping routine screenings. That’s a huge portion of people that could know more about their health, but don’t. By taking a few moments our of your year to participate in preventative care, you’ll:
- Reduce stress and anxiety by staying updated on your health
- Enhance your overall quality of life
- Feel more empowered since you’re taking an active role in your own health and life
- Lower the risk of serious disabilities or diseases
- Cut down on health care costs in case of emergencies
- Become more productive in your personal and professional life by staying healthy
Are preventative care visits covered by my insurance?
The short answer, yes! Most health plans cover yearly wellness visits and labs. However, each plan is different, so it’s important to check with your provider about your benefits and coverage.
How often should I get preventative care?
Everyone’s health is different, so your preventative health routine will differ from that of others. Typically, professionals recommend one annual checkup per year, but you may need additional screenings throughout the year.
Why choose holistic preventative healthcare?
Holistic health care considers the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in the healing process. It allows you to improve your well-being by addressing physical, emotional, and psychological needs. It’s also a core component of preventative care because regular healthcare appointments provide early detection of potentially serious problems. When you look at the whole body and mind, you can better understand how it’s all connected.
How can I start preventative health services with Balance Psychiatric Services?
Scheduling an appointment with one of our providers is simple. You can call us at 412-467-6410 or fill out this contact form on our website. Either way, we’ll learn more about your health goals and find a provider that’s the right fit for you.
We have psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) who assist with conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD, and family nurse practitioners (FNPs) who focus more on physical health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension).