Preventative Healthcare Specialist
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Gulf West Medical Associates
Rajesh B Dave, MD
Internal Medicine & Primary Care located in Port Richey, FL
Preventing yourself from getting sick sounds a lot better than falling ill and having to spend time in pain and feeling poorly. If you want to avoid ill-health, board-certified internist Rajesh Dave, MD, of Gulf West Medical Associates can help. Dr. Dave is an experienced physician who helps his patients practice preventive health care. Call the office in Port Richey, Florida, today to arrange your exam or book an appointment online.
Preventative Healthcare Q&A
What is preventive health care?
Preventive health care is an approach to medicine where you and Dr. Dave work together to prevent you from becoming sick.
Dr. Dave helps his patients lead healthier lives based on key influencers of health, such as:
- Regular exercise
- Balanced, varied diet
- Optimum hydration
- Staying active
- Managing stress
- Mental stimulation
Dr. Dave believes preventive health care is of primary importance and provides his patients with the information and support they need to prevent health problems from arising.
Why is preventive health care the best approach?
Preventive health care works on the premise that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Injuries and illnesses cause a combination of:
- Distress
- Pain
- Incapacity
- Loss of income
- Inconvenience
- Risk of infection
You could spend weeks, months, or even years recovering from an illness or injury, and have to undergo rehabilitation. In some cases, you may die or become permanently disabled from a preventable disease.
There are some risks you can’t control, such as your genes or your age, but for many causes of ill health, there are actions you can take to reduce or eliminate the chances of developing these conditions.
Some of the most severe conditions you can have are preventable, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Some cancers
- Cirrhosis of the liver
Many infectious diseases are preventable if you receive immunizations, for example, measles, tetanus, and smallpox, plus the annual flu shot. Undergoing regular screening and testing is also essential in preventing ill health.
How does screening support preventive health care?
There are many screening tests you can undergo that pick up the earliest signs of changes that could lead to cancer or other worrying conditions. Screening also detects diseases that might not cause any obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages.
The types of screening and testing programs Dr. Dave provides include:
- Blood pressure measurement
- Pap smears
- Cholesterol testing
- Colonoscopy
- Mammograms
- Diabetes screening
- Prostate exam
- STD testing
The tests that are most appropriate for your needs can form a part of your annual physical exam. The annual physical is a chance for you and Dr. Dave to meet and discuss any health concerns. As well as screening tests, Dr. Dave carries out a thorough check of your physical and mental health.
Detecting the earliest signs of health problems is the best way to prevent them from causing you serious harm, so an annual physical exam should be a priority. You can book yours now or find out more about preventive health care by calling Gulf West Medical Associates or scheduling an appointment online.
