You have probably heard a lot from healthcare providers about preventive care. Preventive care is more than just seeing your doctor once a year for a check-up. It’s a vital part of your healthcare, but what exactly is it? What is included? And how much will it cost? We have all the details you need to know about preventive healthcare and why it matters to you and your family.
What is Preventive Care?
Preventive care, or routine care, includes any steps to prevent illness or maintain optimal health. In fact, it is healthcare that begins while you are still healthy (with the goal of keeping you that way in the long run). It is an ongoing, long-term plan that often reduces the need for large healthcare expenses later in life.
In contrast, reactive care (often called curative care) is the kind of health care that is immediate and focused on treating an illness as it arises. It’s a short-term plan and the most conventional approach we see today. It often focuses on treating and relieving symptoms. Unfortunately, it often leads to larger healthcare costs later in life.
Types of Preventive Care:
Preventive healthcare covers a lot of ground, and you’re probably already doing some things that count as preventive care without even realizing it. For many people, it’s about living a lifestyle that supports good health and helps you stay ahead of potential issues. Preventive care can include any or all of the following:
- Vaccinations and Flu Shots
- Annual check-ups and well visits
- Lab work
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- Healthy eating
- Exercise
- Sleep management
- Stress management
- Screenings and Tests
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Cancer screenings
- Diabetes tests
- Mammograms/Colonoscopies
- Avoidance of Risk Factors:
- Smoking cessation
- limiting alcohol consumption,
- reducing exposure to environmental toxins.
- Coaching/Counseling
- Setting health goals
- Setting life goals
- Weight Management
Benefits of Preventive Care:
Preventive healthcare is like an investment in your future health—it pays off in many ways. For starters, it helps lower healthcare costs over time by catching potential issues early before they become expensive problems. Plus, it can greatly improve your quality of life and even extend your lifespan by keeping you healthier longer. When diseases are detected early, the chances of successful treatment are much higher, giving you more options to manage or even reverse the condition. And, by focusing on prevention, you’re less likely to face diseases that are completely avoidable with the right care and lifestyle choices. It’s a win-win for both your health and your wallet.
Common Misconceptions:
There are some big misconceptions when it comes to preventive care. Many people think, “I’m healthy, so I don’t need check-ups,” but the truth is, regular screenings and visits help catch problems before they become serious, even if you feel fine now. Another common myth is that preventive care is only for older adults, when in reality, it’s important for everyone, no matter your age—many conditions can develop silently over time.
Finally, there’s the belief that preventive care is expensive. Many people think they don’t have access to preventive care because basic preventive services are “not covered.” Fortunately, health sharing communities like Knew Health take pride in sharing in various preventive care services. Their goal is to keep the entire community healthy in the long run, which lowers costs for everyone. Despite these common misconceptions, it’s clear that staying on top of your health can save you money and stress in the long run!
Preventive Care for Different Life Stages:
Access to preventive care is important at every stage of life, but the focus shifts as we age. Here’s a breakdown for different life stages:
- Children: Immunizations protect against various diseases, and regular pediatric visits help track growth and development. Encouraging a healthy diet early on also sets the foundation for long-term well-being.
- Adults: This stage is all about proactive screenings—keeping an eye on heart health, cancer risks, and mental well-being. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, and stress management greatly prevents future health issues.
- Older Adults: As we age, preventive care shifts to managing chronic conditions, focusing on bone health to prevent fractures, and implementing fall prevention strategies. Cognitive health and keeping the mind sharp also become important areas to monitor.
Each stage requires a different approach, but the goal remains: staying ahead of potential health risks.
Role of Technology in Preventive Care: 
Technology plays an increasingly important role in preventive healthcare, helping people stay on top of their health more easily than ever. With apps and wearables, it’s now possible to monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, and other metrics in real-time, empowering people to make informed lifestyle choices. Telemedicine has also made regular check-ups more convenient, allowing people to consult with doctors from home. On top of that, advancements in AI and machine learning are transforming healthcare by predicting and identifying possible health risks before they become serious, offering a proactive approach to staying healthy.
How Knew Health is Leading the way in Preventive Care
Knew Health understands that access to preventive healthcare is much more than just seeing the doctor once a year. True preventive care is much more. Staying healthy benefits everyone in the health sharing community, which is why preventive care plays a large part in a Knew Health Membership. We know how important these services are, so there are never copayments or coinsurance, and they do not count towards your IUA. Here’s a breakdown of what your membership always includes:
Routine Preventive Care Included in a Knew Health Membership:
- Woman’s Wellness Visits
- Annual Physicals
- Adult Immunizations
- Childhood Immunizations
- Colonoscopy or Cologuard
- Mammography or Thermography
- Baby Wellness Visits
- Birth Control
Additional Preventive Care Included in a Knew Health Membership:
- 35% Discount on High-Quality Supplements
- FitOn Fitness App Membership
- Wellzyperks Membership (with discounts on healthy lifestyle purchases)
- $200 Self-Care Credit towards
- No Cost and Discounted Labs and Testing
- Personalized Health and Life Coaching
- 24/7 Telemedicine
Also Included in a Knew Health Membership
- Peace of Mind (for unexpected medical expenses)
- Concierge Support
- Bill Negotiation
- Maternity Sharing
- Knew Options (Surgical Second Opinion Service)
And the list keeps growing. Contact Knew Health today to learn how you can be a part of our growing community.
Final Thoughts
Preventive healthcare is about staying proactive and taking control of your health before issues arise. It’s essential to find a health community that aligns with your values and focuses on keeping you healthy rather than just treating illnesses as they come. Look for a community that prioritizes your well-being, offers the tools and support you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and catches potential problems early. With a community that truly has your best interests in mind, you’re not just managing your health—you’re actively investing in a longer, healthier life.
Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. This information will be used at your own risk based on your judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.
Sources:
“Preventive Care.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 17 Mar. 2022, www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/preventive-care/index.html.
“Preventive Care Benefits for Adults.” Healthcare.Gov, www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-adults/.
Sahnow, Katie. “Preventive Care 101: What, Why and How Much.” Health Partners, www.healthpartners.com/blog/preventive-care-101-what-why-and-how-much/.
