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Category: preventative healthcare

What is Preventative Healthcare?
Preventative healthcare is a proactive approach to health that focuses on preventing illness before it occurs, rather than simply managing diseases once they develop. This type of care emphasizes maintaining overall health and avoiding chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers through regular screenings, vaccinations, lifestyle changes, and health education. The goal of preventative healthcare is to reduce the burden of disease, improve quality of life, and decrease healthcare costs over time.

Why is Preventative Healthcare Important?

Preventative healthcare is widely recognized as essential for improving public health outcomes and reducing the financial burden of healthcare systems worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 90% of the nation’s healthcare costs are for people with chronic and mental health conditions, many of which could be prevented through early intervention (CDC, 2022). By focusing on prevention, individuals can live longer, healthier lives and minimize the need for costly treatments for preventable conditions.
1. Early Detection of Diseases: Many diseases, including cancers and chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, may not present obvious symptoms in their early stages. Routine screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and cholesterol tests, allow healthcare providers to detect potential issues before they become severe. Early detection can lead to more effective treatments and better outcomes (National Institutes of Health, NIH).
2. Lifestyle Management: Preventative healthcare encourages healthy behaviors such as regular physical activity, healthy eating, and managing stress. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unhealthy lifestyles are one of the leading contributors to chronic diseases. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol can significantly reduce the risk of developing conditions like heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers (WHO, 2020).
3. Health Education: Preventative healthcare includes education about healthy practices and the importance of regular health check-ups. The American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that well-informed individuals are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and seek regular screenings, ultimately reducing their risk of developing serious health conditions (JAMA, 2021).
Key Components of Preventative Healthcare
1. Screenings and Health Check-ups: Regular health screenings are critical for detecting diseases early. This includes tests for high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, cancer, and other potential health risks. For example, colorectal cancer screening has been shown to reduce cancer-related mortality by detecting cancer early when treatment is more effective (NIH, 2021).
2. Vaccinations: Immunizations are a key component of preventative care, helping protect individuals from infectious diseases. The CDC emphasizes the importance of vaccines like the flu vaccine, HPV vaccine, and others, which prevent disease outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations (CDC, 2021). Vaccines not only prevent personal illness but also help protect communities through herd immunity.
3. Lifestyle Modifications: Preventative healthcare promotes making healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, staying physically active, and reducing stress. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, lifestyle changes can reduce the incidence of diabetes and heart disease by up to 60% in high-risk individuals (NEJM, 2019).
4. Mental Health: Mental health is equally important in the realm of preventative care. Addressing mental health early through counseling, stress management, and social support can prevent the development of serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The NIH highlights that improving mental health care can lead to significant reductions in healthcare spending and improved quality of life (NIH, 2020).
How Preventative Healthcare Benefits You

Investing in preventative care has far-reaching benefits. According to the CDC, every dollar spent on immunizations and preventative health screenings saves between $3 and $10 in treatment costs down the line. Furthermore, preventative healthcare helps individuals maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being throughout their lives, avoiding unnecessary medical procedures and improving overall productivity and quality of life.

By prioritizing preventative healthcare, individuals can reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions, lower healthcare costs, and increase their chances of living a longer, healthier life.

At Everwell Health Solutions, we are committed to helping you stay ahead of potential health issues through personalized care that emphasizes prevention. We provide regular check-ups, support for healthy lifestyle changes, and education to keep you on the path to wellness. Let us help you achieve optimal health today for a brighter, healthier future.

If you would like to discuss this, schedule a free consultation or appointment with Everwell Health Solutions: https://everwellhealthsolutions.akutehealth.com/appointments.

Sources:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Chronic Diseases in America. Retrieved from CDC website.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2021). Preventive Health Services. Retrieved from NIH website.
3. World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Noncommunicable Diseases. Retrieved from WHO website.
4. American Medical Association (JAMA). (2021). Prevention and Early Detection of Chronic Diseases. Retrieved from JAMA website.
5. New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). (2019). Lifestyle Changes and Chronic Disease Prevention. Retrieved from NEJM website.
March 19, 2025
What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a simple and friendly way to get healthcare. Instead of using insurance, you pay your doctor a set amount of money regularly, like a subscription. This means you can visit your doctor when you need to without worrying about extra costs.

How Does DPC Work?
- Regular Payments: You pay your doctor a fixed fee, usually every month.
- Easy Access: You can see your doctor when you’re sick or just for a check-up.
- No Extra Charges: There are no surprise bills after your visit.
Benefits of DPC
- More Time with Your Doctor: Doctors in DPC can spend more time with you because they have fewer patients.
- Focus on Staying Healthy: DPC doctors often help you with healthy habits to prevent getting sick.
- Less Waiting: You can usually get an appointment quickly and spend less time in the waiting room.
Extra Perks of DPC
- Direct Communication: Many DPC doctors give you their personal phone number, so you can call or text them with questions.
- Affordable Medicines: Some DPC practices provide common medicines directly from their offices at lower prices, saving you a trip to the pharmacy.
- Simple Tests and Procedures: DPC doctors can perform basic tests and minor procedures in their offices, often at no extra cost or for a small fee.
Is DPC Right for You?

DPC can be a good choice if you want a closer relationship with your doctor and want to focus on staying healthy. It’s important to know that DPC doesn’t replace health insurance. You might still need insurance for big medical expenses like surgeries or hospital stays.

In summary, Direct Primary Care is a way to make visiting your doctor simpler and more personal, helping you stay healthy with regular, straightforward care.

If you would like to find out more, come talk to us! You can schedule a free meet and greet here: https://everwellhealthsolutions.akutehealth.com/appointments

To find out more about your services, check out our page: https://everwellhealthsolutions.com/primary-care-services/
March 12, 2025
Measles: What It Is and How to Stay Safe
Measles is in the news again—and it is something we all need to know about. Measles used to be very rare in the United States, but cases are going up again. Measles spreads very easily and can make people very sick. Knowing how to prevent it helps keep you and your family safe.

What Is Measles?

Measles is caused by a virus. It spreads when someone with measles coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. That makes it super easy to catch. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 9 out of 10 people who are not protected will get measles if they are near someone who has it.

The signs of measles show up about 7–14 days after you’re around someone who is sick. Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Small white spots inside the mouth (called Koplik spots)
- A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body
Most people get better, but measles can sometimes cause serious problems like pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. Young children, adults over 20, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems are more likely to have these serious problems.

Why Is Measles Coming Back?

Even though there is a safe and effective vaccine, measles cases are going up again. The World Health Organization (WHO) said there were 79% more measles cases around the world in 2023 than the year before. In the United States, most cases happen when people travel to other countries and bring the virus back. It also spreads more in areas where not enough people are vaccinated.

How Vaccines Protect You

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles. Doctors and scientists have studied this vaccine a lot. Research from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) shows that the MMR vaccine is very safe and works really well. If you get both doses of the MMR vaccine, it protects you from measles 97% of the time.

The CDC recommends this vaccine schedule:
- First dose: 12–15 months old
- Second dose: 4–6 years old
If you are an adult and do not know if you had the vaccine, talk to your physician. You might need the MMR shot, especially if you plan to travel to other countries.

If you were vaccinated between 1963 and 1967, you might need a new shot. Early vaccines from that time were not as effective, so the CDC recommends getting at least one dose of the current MMR vaccine.

Adults who are at higher risk—like healthcare workers, international travelers, or students in college—may also need two doses for full protection.

Checking Your Immunity: What Are Titers?

If you are not sure whether you are still protected from measles, your physician can check your immunity through a blood test called a titer. A titer measures the antibodies in your blood to see if you are still immune to measles. If your titer shows low or no immunity, your physician may recommend getting the MMR vaccine.

Checking titers can be a good option if you do not have your vaccination records or if you were vaccinated a long time ago and want to be sure you are still protected.

How to Stop the Spread of Measles

Besides getting vaccinated, here are other ways to help keep everyone safe:
- Stay up to date on your shots.
- Avoid being around people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- If you think you were around someone with measles or start feeling sick, call your physician before going to their office. This helps stop the spread of the virus.
We Are Here to Help

Measles is serious, but it is also preventable. By getting vaccinated and practicing good health habits, we can keep our community safe. If you have questions about the MMR vaccine, want to check your vaccination status, or think you might need a titer test, Everwell Health Solutions is here for you.

We care about your health and wellness. Reach out to us anytime—we are happy to help!

To schedule a free meet and greet with Everwell Health Solutions click here.
February 26, 2025
What Is the Flu? Symptoms, Prevention, and When to Call a Doctor
According to multiple sources, this flu season is the most intense one we have seen in 15 years. At Everwell, we want everyone to be informed about symptoms, prevention, care, and when to seek help.

What Is the Flu?

The flu is an illness that can make you feel very sick. It can cause fever, cough, body aches, and tiredness. The flu spreads easily from person to person, especially in the fall and winter.

What Causes the Flu?

The flu is caused by tiny germs called viruses. These viruses can travel through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. You can also catch the flu by touching something with flu germs on it and then touching your face.

What Are the Symptoms of the Flu?

If you have the flu, you might:
- Have a fever (your body gets very warm)
- Feel very tired
- Have a headache or sore muscles
- Cough or have a sore throat
- Have a runny nose
The flu can come on suddenly, meaning you might feel fine one day and really sick the next.

Is the Flu Dangerous?

For most people, the flu is not serious, and they get better at home in about a week. But for some people, the flu can be dangerous. It can cause pneumonia, a serious lung infection.

People who are at higher risk of getting very sick include:
- Babies and young children
- People over 65
- Pregnant people
- People with health problems like asthma or diabetes
How Can I Prevent the Flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Stay away from sick people
- Get a flu shot every year
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow
- Keep the air fresh by opening windows when possible
How to Care for Yourself at Home

Rest and symptom management are key to flu recovery. Follow these steps to help your body heal:

Follow Discharge Instructions

Discharge instructions provide essential guidance on how to care for yourself after a medical visit. Make sure you understand and follow your physician’s recommendations. If anything is unclear, ask questions.

Home Care Tips
- Rest: Get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activities.
- Hydration: Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and help thin mucus.
- Medication: Take any prescribed antiviral medication as directed. Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever and body aches.
- Steam Therapy: Take warm, steamy showers to soothe your cough and loosen congestion.
- Soothing Remedies: Use cough drops or hard candy for a sore throat.
- Use a Humidifier: If recommended by your physician, use a cool mist humidifier to keep your airways moist. Be sure to clean it regularly.
- Saline Nasal Drops: These can help relieve nasal congestion.
- Manage Fever: Dress in lightweight clothing and cover with a light blanket to avoid overheating.
Prevent Spreading the Flu

To protect those around you, take these precautions:
- Stay home while you have a fever or feel unwell.
- Limit close contact with others, and wear a mask if necessary.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Avoid touching your face, as the flu virus spreads through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Do not share personal items such as cups, food, towels, or bedding.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces, like door handles, remote controls, and phones, with a disinfectant that kills viruses.
- Return to work or school only when your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.
Most people get better on their own. But call a doctor if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or if you start to feel worse after feeling better.

Can the Flu Be Treated?

Yes, doctors can give you medicine to help fight the flu. This medicine works best if you take it soon after getting sick. But antibiotics do not work on the flu because the flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

What About the Flu and Pregnancy?

If you are pregnant, the flu can be more dangerous for you and your baby. If you think you have the flu, call your doctor right away. It is also very important for pregnant people to get the flu shot.

When Should I Stay Home?

If you have the flu, stay home from work or school until your fever is gone for at least 24 hours without medicine. This helps keep others from getting sick.

When to Seek Medical Help

While most people recover from the flu at home, some symptoms require urgent medical attention. Call 911 or seek emergency care if you:
- Struggle to breathe and can only say one or two words at a time.
- Need to sit upright constantly to breathe or cannot lie down.
- Are exhausted from trying to breathe or are sweating from the effort.
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Trouble breathing even while sitting still.
- Severe chest discomfort.
- Confusion or disorientation.
- Vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.
- Signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth, muscle cramps, or dizziness when standing.
Follow-Up Care

Your physician may recommend a follow-up appointment to monitor your recovery. Be sure to schedule and attend any necessary check-ups.

Final Thoughts

Recovering from the flu takes time, but with proper care, you can ease your symptoms and get back to feeling your best. Rest, stay hydrated, and follow these steps to protect yourself and those around you.

If you have any concerns or your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to reach out to your physician.

You can also schedule an appointment with Everwell Health Solutions here: https://everwellhealthsolutions.akutehealth.com/appointments

To learn more about what we do and how we can help you, check out this page: https://everwellhealthsolutions.com/primary-care-services/
February 12, 2025