How to Stay Healthy with Preventive Care
How preventive care can help you stay well
Today, it’s easier than ever to take charge of your health and wellbeing. With technology offering access to care and a growing range of wellness tools, you have more options to stay healthy, prevent issues early, and personalize your care.
One of the most important steps? Don’t wait. Small health concerns can often be managed before they grow into something more serious. Whether it’s a virtual check-in, mental health support, fitness tracking, or nutrition advice, staying proactive can make a big difference.
With the right resources and support, you can confidently lead your own health journey and build a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Preventive care in action
Here are some steps and habits that can help you prevent minor health issues from becoming major ones:
Regular medical check-ups
General practitioner
Having access to a doctor for a regular check-up is an important step in preventive care. These annual visits can help identify potential issues before symptoms appear. A doctor can check blood pressure, recommend blood work or medications, provide referrals, and offer tailored health advice.
Preventive care in action
Here are some steps and habits that can help you prevent minor health issues from becoming major ones:
Regular medical check-ups
General practitioner
Having access to a doctor for a regular check-up is an important step in preventive care. These annual visits can help identify potential issues before symptoms appear. A doctor can check blood pressure, recommend blood work or medications, provide referrals, and offer tailored health advice.
Dentist
Beyond daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups are your best defence against tooth decay and cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss. Oral health is closely linked to overall health, and research shows connections between poor oral hygiene and conditions like stroke, respiratory disease, and dementia.
Optometrist
The best way to protect your vision is through regular eye exams. Many eye diseases develop without noticeable symptoms, so a proactive approach is key. Children should have their first exam between 9 months and 6 years, then annually. Adults should have their eyes checked every two years.
Other resources:
Health screenings
Various cancer screenings can provide insights into your health before symptoms appear. Regular screenings can detect serious conditions, such as breast, cervical, and colon cancers at early stages when treatment is most effective. Ask your doctor which screenings can help you stay ahead of serious conditions.
Healthy lifestyle habits
While regular checkups and screenings are essential, your everyday habits also play a major role in your health and wellness. Don’t underestimate the power of:
- Regular physical activity
- A nutritious diet
- Stress management
- Sleep quality
- Limiting alcohol and drug use
Hygiene is another often-unrecognized habit that can impact your health. An effective and easy way to reduce the spread of infections is handwashing — frequently wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) when unavailable. Daily practices like bathing, brushing teeth, and cleaning nails also contribute to overall wellbeing.
Other resources:
- Eat Smart, Live Longer: The Nutrients for a Healthier You
- Be Kind to Your Mind — Learn How to Lower Stress
- The ABCs of Getting More ZZZs
Know your family health history
Your family’s medical history can offer valuable insight into your own health risks. If you have a family history of chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or eye conditions like glaucoma, you may be more likely to develop them yourself. While you can’t change your genes, you can influence certain behaviours, such as smoking, nutrition, and physical activity. Talking to your family and recording medical conditions is a smart first step toward understanding your own personal health.
Other resources:
Alternative health treatments
Outside of traditional care, complementary therapies can support both physical and mental health.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy helps relax muscles, reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost circulation and immunity. Regular sessions can prevent injury, ease tension before it becomes chronic pain, and support your body’s natural healing response.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy uses targeted movement, exercise, and manual techniques to improve physical function, prevent injury, and address issues before they worsen. It's especially effective for managing musculoskeletal conditions, improving mobility, and reducing the risk of falls and age-related decline.
Alternative health treatments
Outside of traditional care, complementary therapies can support both physical and mental health.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy helps relax muscles, reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost circulation and immunity. Regular sessions can prevent injury, ease tension before it becomes chronic pain, and support your body’s natural healing response.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy uses targeted movement, exercise, and manual techniques to improve physical function, prevent injury, and address issues before they worsen. It's especially effective for managing musculoskeletal conditions, improving mobility, and reducing the risk of falls and age-related decline.
Dietician
Registered dieticians can help you maintain healthy eating habits through personalized meal plans and offer expert advice regarding weight management, food allergies, gut health, and more.
Counselling Therapy
Regular sessions with a licensed therapist offer personalized support for your mental health. Through guided conversations, therapy can help you navigate challenges and work toward emotional well-being with a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Meditation
Meditation can help you manage stress, improve sleep, boost concentration and creativity, and support mental and physical health. This, in turn, could help reduce blood pressure, relieve chronic pain, and improve immune function.
Other resources:
Ready to put prevention into practice?
Medavie Blue Cross can support you with a variety of services to keep you ahead of the game when it comes to your health. Our Connected Care health and wellness platform offers a wide variety of prevention, assessment and treatment options.
Got Questions? Let’s Chat!
Take the first step toward better health — reach out to our team today.
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on September 23, 2025
Sources
- www.cdc.gov
- www.medicalnewstoday.com
- www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org
Medavie Blue Cross is a premier all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits and administers federal and provincial government-sponsored health programs. Together with Medavie Health Services, we are part of Medavie, a health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians. We are in the...