One healthy choice you can make in the new year is to schedule routine preventive care. Regular checkups and recommended screenings can help you stay well and catch concerns early. When diseases are detected early, they are often easier to treat and have better outcomes.
Gothenburg Health offers essential preventive care. The health organization calls it “Well Ahead,” which means to provide advanced specialty services and everyday wellness support. “At each stage of life, you’re never alone in caring for yourself and for those you love,” said Roxanne Converse-Whiting, director of community education. “Our team continues to be committed to supporting you through every stage of life.”
Preventive care begins with knowing your family health history. This record of diseases and conditions in your family can reveal risks tied to shared genes, behaviors and environments. If you have a family history of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes or osteoporosis, you may be more likely to develop those conditions yourself. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with a family history of disease have the most to gain from preventive care practices.
Cancer screenings are among the most important preventive measures. Mammograms, recommended every two years for women 40 and older by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, can detect breast cancer early. Pap and HPV tests, which identify abnormal cervical cells or the virus that causes changes, are recommended starting at age 21. Depending on results, women ages 30 to 65 may need testing every three to five years. Screening for colorectal cancer is advised for adults ages 45 to 75, and lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for people ages 50 to 80 who smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
Other important screenings include checks for:
- Osteoporosis
- Cholesterol
- Blood pressure
- Cardiac calcium score
- Diabetes and blood sugar
- Iron deficiency
From bone density scans and lab work to advanced imaging like cardiac calcium scoring and lung cancer CT scans, Gothenburg Health provides the preventive care you need close to home.
“We believe health is a lifelong journey and we’re here to walk beside you, offering expert providers, modern services and a commitment to complete wellness,” Converse-Whiting said. “Your health matters — today, tomorrow and for the years to come.”
Make your health a priority this year. Contact your primary care provider or call Gothenburg Health at 308.537.3661 and visit gothenburghealth.org.
