Employee Health & Wellness: The Importance of Preventative Care

A common misconception for many is that doctor visits are only useful when you are not feeling well or are experiencing symptoms of an illness. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), roughly 8% of Americans undergo routine preventative screenings.

Preventative care is a proactive approach to staying healthy. It includes regular screenings to help manage your health and decreases the risk of developing issues. During scheduled check-ups, you can discuss your concerns as well as health goals with your physician.

Although guidelines differ depending on the person, experts say you can typically expect a body mass index (BMI) assessment, blood pressure and cancer screenings as well as vaccine recommendations during your appointment. Preventative care can also include counseling services, dental cleanings and more.

One of our service providers at Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), United Healthcare, has compiled a preventative care checklist based on age and gender that ACPS employees can access and take to their next check-up appointment.

To learn more and receive your preventative care checklist today, visit the preventative care tips webpage.