What is preventive medicine?
Day after day, we go about our business, each with our own schedules and habits. Then when things go wrong, whether it’s an accident or an illness, we rely on doctors and medical professionals to get us back on our feet. To avoid major complications or health problems, a few simple actions can be taken on a daily basis – that’s what preventive medicine is all about!
As part of a preventive medicine approach, adopting good habits can reduce the risk of developing cancer, heart disease and other chronic illnesses. As for general medicine, it’s important to be up to date with your medical check-ups and follow-ups to ensure optimum management of your health!
Habits to put into practice every day
Exercise: We can’t stress this enough! 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking five times a week is enough to significantly reduce mortality.
Avoid smoking: Cigarettes top the list as the “worst” enemy of your health.
Reduce or avoid alcohol: If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to a certain number of drinks per week, i.e. 10 for a woman and 15 for a man.
Adopt the Mediterranean diet: While not a slimming or restrictive diet, here are its basic principles:
- Eat a variety of fresh, minimally processed foods such as vegetables and fruit, whole-grain products and plant-based proteins (legumes, tofu, nuts) every day.
- Eat fish (preferably fatty) and seafood, poultry, eggs and low-fat dairy products.
- Use vegetable fats, especially olive or canola oil.
- Occasionally eat red meat, processed meats and sweets, and replace salt with herbs and spices.
- Take advantage of mealtimes to spend quality time with family and friends.
Keep an eye on your skin: Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer. Apply sunscreen daily to your face and body, even in winter!
Examinations and follow-up in adults
For women
- Mammography: Every 2 years, the Programme québécois de dépistage du cancer du sein (PQDCS) invites Quebec women aged 50 to 69 to undergo breast cancer screening mammography. It’s a government program that sends out an automatic invitation to get tested.
- Pap test: A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix to check for changes. This screening test, performed every two or three years, helps diagnose precancerous conditions of the cervix or cervical cancer. It is recommended from the early twenties to the age of 69.
For men
Prostate cancer screening: the prostate cancer screening test, called́ prostate-specific antigen assay (or PSA assay), is recommended for men aged 55 and over. Performed by taking blood samples, it is combined with a rectal examination of the prostate.
For men and women
Colorectal cancer screening: Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is recommended from the age of 50. Your doctor may also ask you to undergo a colonoscopy, depending on your personal and family history.
Visual skin examination: The doctor or physician observes your skin to look for signs of skin cancer or an abnormal skin surface.
See www.cliniqueleblancsavaria.ca for more information.
Annual medical check-ups are very important for monitoring and managing overall health. At Cliniques LeBlanc + Savaria, our team of specialists provides you with a complete and rigorous assessment of your health. Meet with a doctor today and take charge of your health.
