What Is Preventive Healthcare?

The average age of men and women has increased over the past few years. However, the number of diseases and health complications also seem to be increasing equally. Research conducted by the World Health Organization states that in 2011, two-thirds of deaths that happened in the world were due to non-communicable sources. This includes preventable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular problems, cancer and lung diseases. This is why people in the US have to learn about the importance of preventive healthcare right away.

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What is preventive healthcare?

As the name suggests, this preventive healthcare plan will help you prevent the onset of diseases and will ensure that your body is healthy. Instead of waiting until you fall sick, you are given the right care to actually prevent diseases. The world is giving focus to the aspect of healthcare and all countries are changing their insurance plans to include preventive healthcare as an affordable and practical solution.

How does this help?
Most people stay away from doctors and hospitals unless they are too sick. In such cases, it usually becomes too late to reverse the health condition. This means that you are either dependant on medication for the rest of your life or need to go through complex procedures that may cause pain, suffering and financial burden.
Below are the benefits preventive healthcare offers you and your family:

Relieves you of all pain and discomfort.
Even if you fall sick, this ensures treatment very early, and hence the chance of complete recovery is very high.
Ensures that diseases do not hinder your lifestyle.
Prevents you from spending your life’s savings on disease management.
Prevents mental agony and shock.

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Preventive healthcare insurance
Most of the leading healthcare providers in the USA cover three types of preventive services for adults, for women and for children respectively. Each of this comes with its own set of services that you can avail without spending a penny. Usually, the list of services that come with the preventative healthcare insurance plan fall under the below categories.
-Screening
-Medication
-Shots/immunization
-Counseling

For women, there are two specific categories that you can get yourself checked in.
-All women
-Pregnant /to be pregnant women
-Common services offered

Below is a list of common services your Health Insurance Coverage will provide to you if you are an adult. Based on which provider you choose and your premium plans, the list may increase or decrease.
-Alcohol misuse screening
-Hepatitis screening
-Type 2 diabetes screening
-HIV screening
-Obesity check
-Cholesterol and blood pressure check
-Cancer screening
-Syphilis screening and more

When it comes to children, this preventive healthcare list is even more extensive. The range of services you can expect include:
-Autism screening
-Developmental screening
-Behavioral tests
-BMI measurements, obesity screening
-Oral health
-Vision tests
-Hearing screening for newborns
-Thyroid, HIV, Hepatitis checks
-Tuberculosis checks
-Depression assessment and more
-Effectiveness

While there is still debate about the long-term cost-effectiveness for the country because of preventive healthcare plans, there is definite proof that these improve the quality of life. In the USA, a research in 2014 talks about 63% of total deaths in the country being from preventable diseases. This clearly states the importance of thinking seriously about this proactive kind of healthcare system. There are also a series of fitness and wellness programs offered under this preventive healthcare option. You can look through these and pick up ones that you feel might benefit you.

Look for preventive insurance options and make sure you visit your doctor at least once a year for a comprehensive wellness test. This will help remain stay aware of what is happening inside your body, thus ensuring that you stay active, healthy and protected.