By: Julián Ortiz Trinidad, Triple-S Preventive Management Nurse

As the new year approaches, many of us focus on goals like exercising more, eating healthier, or improving ourselves. But there’s one goal that should be at the top of our list: scheduling and getting our preventive health checkups. Taking care of your health now can make a big difference in your life later on.

What Are Preventive Health Checkups?

Preventive health checkups are medical tests you get when you feel fine. The goal is to catch health problems early or find risks that could lead to illnesses later. These checkups depend on your age, gender, family history, and lifestyle.

Three Basic Preventive Health Tests:

  1. Annual Checkup:
    This includes checking your blood pressure, weight, body mass index (BMI), and a full physical exam. It helps track your health and notice any changes over time.

  2. Blood Tests:
    These tests check cholesterol, blood sugar, and how your liver and kidneys work. They can find problems like diabetes or heart issues before they become serious.

  3. Tests for Women and Men:
    Women may need tests like mammograms and Pap smears, while men might need prostate exams. These tests can help find cancers early.

Why Are Preventive Checkups Important?

  • Find Problems Early = Easier to Treat
    Many illnesses are easier to treat and have better outcomes if they’re caught early.

  • Save Money in the Long Run
    Preventive tests might cost money upfront, but treating a serious illness is usually much more expensive.

    Preventive tests might cost money upfront, but treating a serious illness is usually much more expensive.

  • Feel More at Ease
    Regular checkups give you peace of mind. Knowing your health is on track can help you feel less worried.

  • Track Your Health Over Time
    These tests help doctors understand what’s normal for you and spot changes that might mean something’s wrong.

With preventive checkups, your doctor can create a health plan just for you, based on your family history, lifestyle, and risks.

How to Start:

  1. Make an appointment with your doctor for a checkup.
  2. Talk about your family health history and personal risks.
  3. Create a yearly schedole for checkups and tests.
  4. Keep a record of your resolts.
  5. Set reminders for your next appointments.

Making preventive health checkups a priority is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Don’t wait for symptoms or problems to show up before taking action.

Remember: Being healthy isn’t just about not being sick. It’s about feeling good physically and mentally. Preventive checkups can help you stay healthy and live your best life.

We suggest these preventive care centers all around the island for you to plan your visit:

SALUS

Guaynabo, Carolina, Ponce, and Clínica Las Américas
787.789.1996

Tiger Med

Caguas
787.646.2800; 787.286.2800 ext. 636 / 248

Centro de Medicina y Cirugía Ambulatoria

San Sebastián
787.926.0000; 787.926.0001;
787.896.1850 ext. 255

Wellness Alliance

Guaynabo 787.708.6778
Humacao 787.708.6777 ext. #300

Centro Preventivo de Quebradillas

Quebradillas
787.239.3316; 787.926.0000;
787.926.0001

Servicios Preventivos de Mayagüez

Mayagüez
787.652.3609; 787.926.0000;
787.926.0001

Centro Preventivo de Arecibo

Arecibo
787.926.0000; 787.926.0001 ext. 201 / 245

December 24, 2024