Preventative health is for everyone - what should you be doing?

Prevention is better than cure and starts at any age.

Preventative health is often overlooked or taken for granted, but it is a critical aspect of maintaining overall well-being. It refers to taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of developing various illnesses and diseases before they occur. These measures can include lifestyle choices, such as exercise and healthy eating, as well as regular check-ups with healthcare professionals.

One of the most significant benefits of preventative health is that it can identify potential health issues before they become serious or life-threatening. This allows individuals to take action and make lifestyle changes or seek treatment as needed. For example, routine screenings for cancer can detect tumors early on when they are more easily treatable. Similarly, blood pressure checks can alert individuals to high levels, which can lead to heart or kidney disease if left unchecked.

Another benefit of preventative health is the cost savings associated with avoiding medical complications. Preventative actions may involve changes in lifestyle, such as exercise or healthy eating, which can ultimately lead to reduced healthcare costs. Additionally, early detection and treatment of health issues can prevent the need for costly medical interventions down the road.

So how can we practice preventative health?

Preventative health starts at any age with health checks and screenings recommended at different times in your life. This is based on not only your age, but also potential risk factors (such as family history).

Unfortunately, you may not know what checks are relevant to you and it can be hard to keep ontop of it within our already busy lives.

Fortunately, with a Doctors.com.au account, you will be automatically reminded when you are due for health checks and screenings based on your specific circumstances, including your age and family history.
So you can simply and effectively keep your health in check.

Based on your circumstances, some reminders / health checks you may receive are:

Cancer screenings
Recommendations based on differing cancer risk categories
Weight management
Dental checks
Eye tests
Hearing tests
Regular checks such as blood pressure
and more

As well as keeping ontop of your checks, some general preventive measures that can promote good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases are:

Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens bones and muscles, and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
Eat a healthy diet: A balanced and nutritious diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, whole grains, and healthy fats is essential to prevent chronic diseases.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of various health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial for your overall health. Check your BMI here.
Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to various health problems, including obesity, heart disease, depression, and weakened immune system. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, increase inflammation, and contribute to various health problems. Find effective ways to manage stress, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or talking to a therapist.
Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can lead to liver disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems. It is important to limit alcohol consumption and avoid binge drinking.
Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.
Stay up to date with health screenings and check-ups: Regular health screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer screening can help detect and prevent many health problems. It is important to schedule routine check-ups with your healthcare provider. Create your free account on doctors.com.au and let us send you the relevant tailored reminders.

Check in with a Quiz

Complete our quizzes to receive tailored actions based on your circumstances or risks.

Your Fertility

Your Fertility Are you trying for a baby, or thinking about trying in the future? This quiz will help you learn about what tools are

BMI Check

Are you within a healthy weight range for your height?

Breast Cancer Quiz

BreastScreen Australia offers 2-yearly mammographic screening targeted at asymptomatic women aged 50–74. Get reminded for screenings and check for potential symptoms.

Skin Cancer Quiz

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Each year almost 2000 Australians die from this almost entirely preventable disease. Fortunately you can reduce your risk as well as be aware of possible symptoms to act as fast as possible.

Cervical Screening Quiz

Cervical check-up quiz Determine if you have signs and symptoms of cervical cancer and be reminded to do your cervical cancer screening test.

Hearing Check-up Quiz

Hearing check-up quiz Determine if you have signs and symptoms of hearing loss and be reminded of your prevention measures.

Don't take health for granted

Preventative health promotes a better quality of life overall. By taking care of ourselves and making conscious choices to avoid potential health risks, we can enjoy more energy, vitality, and mobility. We can engage in the activities we love for longer periods without feeling limited by our physical abilities.

So, preventative health is essential for promoting a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. It is important to make regular check-ups with healthcare providers and take the necessary steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Taking these proactive measures not only saves money and reduces the burden on healthcare systems, but it also promotes a higher quality of life overall.

Have you done our Hearing Quiz yet?

Damage to your hearing is often permanent, so it’s important to prevent hearing loss before it occurs.

See if you are of high risk of hearing loss, if you require immediate investigation from a medical professional, and to receive reminders for when you are due for a hearing test.

At the end of the quiz you will be presented with a recommendation based on your answers.

Search for a health provider

Telehealth

Dentist

Chiropractor

Physiotherapy

Optometrist

We work with

Disclaimer

Doctors.com.au does not warrant or hold any responsibility for this fact sheet. Fact sheets are provided to doctors.com.au from relevant third party partners and companies.

Doctors.com.au will not be held responsible or liable for any errors or omissions that may be found in any of the information on this fact sheet, and you are encouraged to consult other sources to confirm the information, and in the event that medical treatment is required, to take professional expert advice from a legally qualified and appropriately experienced medical practitioner.

doctors.com.au

Keeping your health care in check

Preventative health is for everyone - what should you be doing?

So how can we practice preventative health?