Preventive Care

Nearly 70% of deaths in the United States are the result of chronic diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At Northern Medical Group, Primary Care Division, in Fishkill, Hopewell Junction, Poughkeepsie, and Wappinger Falls, New York, the team of primary care specialists can help patients prevent disease and illness through comprehensive health screenings, annual physicals, immunizations, and other preventive care services. Call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about preventive care.

What is preventive care?

Preventive care is an area of medicine that addresses health concerns before they evolve. Also called routine care, preventive health screenings, tests, and treatments help protect patients against chronic disease and illness.

What does preventive care include?

Northern Medical Group, Primary Care Division, offers an array of preventive care services, such as:

Annual physicals

An annual physical is a routine exam that assesses your overall health. During the exam, the team reviews your medical history, asks questions about your diet and lifestyle, and performs a head-to-toe physical screening.

Immunizations

Immunizations, also called vaccinations, are biological substances the team injects into your body to prevent communicable diseases and viruses.

Laboratory testing

The team performs laboratory testing, such as bloodwork and urinalysis, to investigate new or worsening symptoms and monitor existing health concerns.

Nutritional counseling

Proper nutrition is the backbone of preventive care. The team provides individualized nutritional counseling services to help build a dietary plan that addresses your health care needs and fits into your lifestyle.

Specialist referrals

If you need to see a specialist, such as a dermatologist or a gastroenterologist, the team can issue referrals and coordinate your care with other physicians.

Preventive care is a combined effort between you and your health care team. The Northern Medical Group, Primary Care Division, team may adjust your prevention plan to address changing health concerns as you age.

Why is preventive care important?

Preventive care is less invasive and costly than curative treatments. For example, high blood sugar levels are a sign of diabetes. Managing your blood sugar early on through diet and lifestyle changes can help prevent this chronic disease. 

Once diabetes develops, it can be difficult to manage on your own. You may have to take insulin injections and medication. Untreated diabetes can even lead to complications like stroke and vision loss. In some cases, unmanaged blood sugar levels can even warrant amputation. These treatments are expensive, time-consuming, and even life-threatening.

Preventive care keeps you healthy as you age to stop minor health concerns from turning into serious problems. The team works with you to ensure you remain as healthy as possible.

Call Northern Medical Group, Primary Care Division, today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about preventive care.