Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” -World Health Organization

Conversations often revolve around symptoms and treatment, and our healthcare system is largely geared toward intervention. While addressing illness is indeed crucial, another—simultaneous—approach lies in fostering an understanding and prioritization of preventive measures as a cornerstone of long-term wellbeing. 

At Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, we are breaking down the benefits of preventative care in Brentwood, Tennessee and how it can positively impact both individuals and the community.

The Reality of Healthcare in Tennessee

For over 10 years, the Tennessee Department of Health has supported the County Health Councils, which intend to identify needs and work toward solutions that make sense for their communities. Within this program, the Tennessee Vitality Toolkit’s framework helps CHC strengthen community wellbeing by supporting prevention-focused, evidence-based, and community-oriented strategies to improve community health.

Prevention-focused strategies include screenings, dental check-ups, and vaccinations, key to maintaining individual and community health. However, for a variety of reasons, many Tennessee citizens do not access the preventive care recommended. These include cos, a lack of a primary healthcare provider, geography, and overall lack of awareness. Below is a compendium of data that reflect the state of preventive care in Tennessee:

• The proportion of children who receive developmental screenings is improving.
• The proportion of adolescents attending preventive care visits is getting worse.
• The proportion of adults getting recommended evidence-based preventive care is also getting worse.
• The same applies to children and adolescents accessing preventive dental care visits.
• The proportion of pregnant women who receive early and adequate prenatal care is deteriorating.

These statistics reflect an alarming reality for Tennessee—in fact, it ranks near the bottom in almost every major health metric. Lifestyle choices like poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise play a key role—and they are all among the issues that preventive care can tackle.

🍎An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Preventative care refers to applying healthcare measures to prevent diseases, in line with the notion that health is not lack of illness, but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Prevention, thus, relies on anticipatory actions which include:

• Regular check-ups, even when you are feeling well.
• Disease screenings.
• Following lifestyle recommendations.
• Staying up to date with immunizations and boosters.
• Patient education.
• Dental check-ups.

Patients who engage in preventive care report a measurable improvement in their health, which is demonstrated by the 4 facts listed below.  

4 Benefits of Preventative Care

1. Higher Chances of Early Cancer Detection—and of Beating It

A study published by Islami et at has demonstrated that up to 40% of all cancer cases and nearly 50% of all cancer deaths in the United States in 2019 were attributable to the evaluated potentially modifiable risk factors. As a result, the morbidity and premature mortality from cancer in the country can be substantially reduced through access to preventive care and the implementation of preventive recommendations.

2. Cost Savings

Although it may seem that going to the doctor when you feel fine is a waste of your time and money, it is the opposite in the long run. Preventive care helps detect potential health issues early—often before symptoms appear—when treatment is simpler and less expensive. For example, managing high blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes is significantly more affordable than treating a stroke or heart attack. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are responsible for 90% of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual healthcare expenditures. Many of these conditions are preventable or can be better managed through regular screenings, immunizations, and lifestyle counseling. Studies also show that workplace wellness and preventive health programs can reduce absenteeism and improve productivity, leading to economic benefits for both individuals and employers.

3. Information Is Power

Engaging in preventive care empowers patients to take the reins of their own health. By participating in decisions regarding their well-being, they can gain insight into their status, risk factors, and steps they can take to feel good. This proactive approach fosters a better relationship not only with the doctor, but with oneself; as seeing continuous and prolonged positive results reinforces the commitment to one’s own health.

4. Eradication of Diseases through Immunization

One of the most powerful outcomes of preventive care is the widespread use of vaccines, which has led to the near-eradication or significant reduction of several once-deadly diseases. Smallpox, for example, was declared eradicated globally in 1980 thanks to an aggressive international vaccination campaign. In the United States, polio has been eliminated, and diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella have seen dramatic declines due to routine immunization programs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immunizations prevent between 3.5 and 5 million deaths each year worldwide. Beyond individual protection, vaccines contribute to community immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. Immunizations are a cornerstone of public health and a clear testament to the life-saving impact of preventive care.

Preventive Care Services in Brentwood, Tennessee

As a clinic fully supporting Tennessee’s preventative health initiatives, Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, PLLC, offers expert preventive care services for your whole family, underpinning your entire health journey. Our team is eager to promote healthy practices across the Brentwood, Tennessee, community, starting with each individual citizen.

If you want to take control of your own health, make an appointment today by calling our office at (615) 376-8195 or by clicking here.