Maintaining your health requires more than good intentions – it requires preventive care. Routine health screenings play a vital role in the early identification of medical conditions, often before symptoms develop, when treatment is typically more effective.
“Preventing disease is always preferable to treating it,” said Dr. Suman Shekar, an Internal Medicine physician with Med Center Health Primary Care. “Early diagnosis is key. In our busy lives, it can be difficult to prioritize health screenings, but taking the time to schedule them can be lifesaving.”
For individuals who may be behind on recommended screenings, an Annual Wellness Visit is an important first step. This comprehensive visit focuses on overall health and helps identify opportunities to prevent illnesses or detect conditions at earlier, more manageable stages.
“I encourage everyone to schedule an Annual Wellness Visit,” Dr. Shekar said. “Even younger adults – such as those in their 30s – should connect with their primary care provider each year. Establishing this routine over time supports better long-term health.”
During an Annual Wellness Visit, patients work with their healthcare team to develop a Personalized Prevention Plan tailored to their individual needs. This plan is designed to be clear, practical, and easy to follow, and may include:
•A review of personal and family medical history
•Discussion of mental health, including stress, anxiety, or depression
•Evaluation of lifestyle habits, daily routines, and memory concerns
•Measurement of height, weight, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI)
One of the most important health indicators to monitor is blood pressure. High blood pressure can contribute to serious conditions, including heart attack and stroke, and is the leading modifiable risk factor for stroke.
Because high blood pressure often presents without noticeable symptoms, regular monitoring is essential. When left unmanaged, it can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of blockages or rupture.
A blood pressure reading includes two numbers:
•Systolic pressure (top number): the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats
•Diastolic pressure (bottom number): the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats
Blood Pressure Categories:
•Normal: Less than 120 / Less than 80
•Elevated: 120-129 / Less than 80
•Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139 / 80-89
•Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+ / 90+
•Hypertensive Crisis: 180+ / 120+
Taking a proactive approach to health – through routine screenings and regular checkups – is one of the most effective ways to stay informed, reduce risk, and support long-term health.
To find a primary care provider or schedule an Annual Wellness Visit, visit: www.medcenterhealth.org/PrimaryCare.
-submitted by Med Center Health
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