SMH Primary Care doctors want to prevent health problems in the future

According to Sheridan Memorial Hospital, data shows that less than 6% of Americans receive the recommended preventive services for health care.

Internal Medicine Physician at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care Clinic, Dr. Erin Henderson, made an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to discuss preventive services for health care. 

Preventative services involve taking the time to visit with your doctor while you are feeling healthy. According to Dr. Henderson, a variety of screenings are available to ensure that something isn’t going to take a patient by surprise in the future. 

Dr. E. Henderson

Dr. Henderson said many of these screenings will involve work done in the lab to check various organ functions, many of which are done by taking blood pressure, drawing blood and a few other simple tests. 

Dr. E. Henderson

While many of these screenings are suggested once a patient has reached a certain age, younger individuals can greatly benefit from a simple check-up, possibly finding an issue that with a change in diet or habit can prevent a much bigger problem in the future. 

Dr. E. Henderson

And taking the time to have these screenings performed is no longer just for those over 50 years of age. According to an article written by Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner at SMH’s Welch Cancer Center, Nina Beach, up to 93% of cervical cancers could be prevented through screening and vaccination of human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a vaccine that most young people can receive. But many, especially males, have not received the vaccine. 

A recent study published in the Jama Network Open found that cancer rates in younger Americans is on the rise. This increasing evidence has decreased the suggested ages people should begin screening for various cancers. 

Dr. E. Henderson

By taking advantage of recommended preventive services for health care, SMH doctors may find a small problem today, preventing a large life changing problem tomorrow. 

To learn more about SMH Primary Care, click here.