All articles tagged with #preventive care
A Globe and Mail report indicates a new study suggesting that taking a daily multivitamin could slow the rate at which cells age, offering potential but preliminary evidence for micronutrient supplementation in aging.
Some new parents are avoiding routine newborn preventive care, including vaccines, in favor of “natural” living, a shift doctors say risks preventable illnesses and delays in essential well-child checks and screenings.
TRICARE explains that cancer screenings are covered based on age, sex, and risk, including breast cancer screenings (mammograms annually for some at-risk groups and MRI for high risk), cervical cancer screening (Pap tests for women 21+ and HPV testing for women 30+ when done with Pap), prostate and testicular exams for men by age/risk, and colorectal screenings from age 45 for average risk. Lung cancer screening with an annual CT is available for high-risk individuals (50–80 with a 20 pack-year history) through network providers. Screenings are generally covered as preventive care with no out-of-pocket costs if you follow plan rules; not all tests are covered (e.g., certain RNA blood/stool tests for colorectal cancer). TRICARE also covers a one-time lifetime GRAIL Galleri blood test via a Laboratory Developed Tests Demonstration, with eligibility, pre-authorization, and other limits. Be attentive to warning signs and discuss screening options with your provider to catch cancer early.
The US Preventive Services Task Force, which issues evidence-based guidance on preventive care and screenings, has not met since March 2025, prompting concerns it is being sidelined by the Health and Human Services Department. With several seats vacant and the first meeting of the year postponed, doctors fear delays in updating recommendations and insurance coverage for services like mammograms, colorectal screening, and HPV testing. Analysts warn of a “quiet paralysis” that could erode trust in advisory groups and affect care for millions as staff turnover and political shifts feed uncertainty.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which guides cancer screening and other preventive services insurers must cover, has not met since March 2025, with July and November meetings canceled by a government shutdown and several vacancies leaving the panel short-handed. Draft recommendations, including updates to cervical cancer screening and perinatal depression, remain pending as the group typically issues 20–25 guidance items annually but published only about five last year. Critics warn that political reshaping of federal advisory panels under Health Secretary RFK Jr. could further slow evidence-based recommendations.
Veteran members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force warn that HHS under Secretary RFK Jr. could undermine or dismantle the panel, potentially replacing its members, slashing its budget, or rewriting rules of evidence to revise or rescind recommendations, threatening coverage of A- and B-grade preventive services and eroding trust in evidence-based guidance; with several members' terms expired and four draft guidelines pending, the panel's future remains unclear.
Ten everyday habits can shorten lifespan, from skipping preventive care and neglecting social connections to clinging to outdated meds, inactivity, smoking, and poor sleep. Experts urge regular screenings, fostering positive relationships, reviewing medications, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, following a Mediterranean-style diet, getting 7–9 hours of sleep, managing stress, and planning for future health and finances to improve longevity.
Many everyday activities and habits, such as poor hand hygiene, not following medical advice, sedentary lifestyles, and neglecting symptoms, are more dangerous than people realize, emphasizing the importance of good health practices and awareness.
A common virus called adenovirus is causing widespread severe sore throats and other symptoms this season, with no specific treatment available, emphasizing the importance of rest, hydration, and good hygiene, while noting that severe cases should seek medical advice especially for vulnerable groups.
A group of medical professionals shared essential health tips, emphasizing the importance of fiber intake, advanced directives, regular screenings, handwashing, financial aid for medical bills, breathing exercises, avoiding smoking, regular exercise, magnesium supplementation, knowing your medical conditions, wound care, regular doctor visits, nutrition knowledge, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, and advocating for healthcare reform.
Experts emphasize the importance of prompt care and proper management to prevent long-term damage from tendon injuries, which often result from overuse and may initially be silent. Early treatment, appropriate exercise timing, and preventive measures like warming up and good posture are crucial, while ongoing research explores regenerative therapies and innovative treatments to improve healing outcomes.
A 79-year-old woman with Lynch syndrome is uncertain about continuing colonoscopies due to her age and cardiac risks. Dr. Roach explains that the decision to stop screening depends on individual health and risk factors, noting her lifetime colon cancer risk is about 20%, but her risk decreases with age. Both risks are low, so stopping is reasonable if she prefers, but continuing is also acceptable.
During Alzheimer's Awareness Month, Dr. Keith Darrow and Hearing and Brain Centers of America promote proactive brain health strategies, including free assessments and resources, emphasizing the link between untreated hearing loss and increased dementia risk, and encouraging early intervention to improve quality of life and reduce future dementia cases.
Women tend to live longer than men due to genetic, behavioral, and biological factors. Men engage in riskier behaviors like smoking and neglect preventive health measures, which contribute to higher mortality rates. The study suggests that adopting some habits typical of women, such as regular doctor visits and healthier lifestyles, could help men narrow the longevity gap.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that over 99% of heart attacks and strokes are preceded by identifiable warning signs and risk factors, emphasizing the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes for prevention.