Breaking Down Preventive Care: Your Go-To Guide

You've probably heard healthcare providers talk about preventive care, but it's so much more than just an annual check-up. It's a vital part of your wellness journey—yet what exactly does it include? And how can you access it affordably? We're here to guide you through everything you need to know about preventive healthcare and why it matters to you and your family's wellbeing.

Preventive care, or routine care, encompasses all the steps you take to prevent illness and maintain optimal health. Think of it as healthcare that begins while you're still feeling great—with the goal of keeping you that way for years to come. It's an ongoing, long-term wellness approach that often reduces the need for significant medical expenses later in life.

In contrast, reactive care (often called curative care) is the kind of healthcare that responds immediately to illness as it arises. It's a short-term approach and the most conventional one we see today, often focusing on treating and relieving symptoms. Unfortunately, this approach frequently leads to larger healthcare costs down the road.

Preventive healthcare covers a lot of ground, and you're probably already doing some things that count as preventive care without even realizing it. For many of us, it's about embracing a lifestyle that supports good health and helps us stay ahead of potential issues. Preventive care can include any or all of the following:

• Vaccinations and Flu Shots
• Annual check-ups and wellness visits
• Blood work and diagnostics
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices
  • Nutritious eating
  • Regular exercise
  • Quality sleep management
  • Stress reduction practices
• Screenings and Tests
  • Blood pressure monitoring
  • Cholesterol checks
  • Cancer screenings
  • Diabetes tests
  • Mammograms/Colonoscopies
• Avoidance of Risk Factors:
  • Smoking cessation
  • Limiting alcohol consumption
  • Reducing exposure to environmental toxins
• Coaching/Counseling
  • Setting health goals
  • Creating life goals
  • Weight management support

Think of preventive healthcare as an investment in your future wellbeing—it pays off in countless ways. For starters, it helps lower medical expenses over time by catching potential issues early, before they become costly problems. Plus, it can greatly improve your quality of life and even extend your lifespan by keeping you healthier longer.

When conditions are detected early, the chances of successful treatment are much higher, giving you more options to manage or even reverse them. By focusing on prevention, you're less likely to face diseases that are completely avoidable with the right care and lifestyle choices. It's a win-win for both your health and your wallet—and gives you peace of mind knowing you're taking proactive steps for your family's future.

There are some big misconceptions when it comes to preventive care that we'd love to clear up. Many people think, "I'm healthy, so I don't need check-ups," but the truth is, regular screenings and visits help catch problems before they become serious, even when you feel fine now. Another common myth is that preventive care is only for older adults, when in reality, it's important for everyone, no matter your age—many conditions can develop silently over time.

Finally, there's the belief that preventive care is expensive or "not shareable" through alternative healthcare options. Fortunately, Medical Cost Sharing Communities like Knew Health take pride in making various preventive care services eligible for sharing. Our goal is to keep the entire Community healthy in the long run, which lowers costs for everyone. Despite these common misconceptions, it's clear that staying on top of your health can save you money and stress in the long run!

Access to preventive care is important at every stage of life, but the focus shifts as we age. Here's a breakdown for different life stages:

• Children : Immunizations protect against various diseases, and regular pediatric visits help track growth and development. Encouraging healthy eating habits early on sets the foundation for long-term wellbeing.
• Adults : This stage is all about proactive screenings—keeping an eye on heart health, cancer risks, and mental wellbeing. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management greatly prevents future health issues.
• Older Adults : As we age, preventive care shifts to managing chronic conditions, focusing on bone health to prevent fractures, and implementing fall prevention strategies. Cognitive health and keeping the mind sharp also become important areas to monitor.

Each stage requires a different approach, but the goal remains the same: staying ahead of potential health risks while living life to the fullest.

Technology plays an increasingly important role in preventive healthcare, helping people stay on top of their wellness more easily than ever. With apps and wearables , it's now possible to monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, and other metrics in real-time, empowering you to make informed lifestyle choices that work for your unique needs.

Telemedicine has also made regular check-ups more convenient, allowing you to consult with doctors from the comfort of home—perfect for busy families. On top of that, advancements in AI and machine learning are transforming healthcare by predicting and identifying possible health risks before they become serious, offering a proactive approach to staying healthy.

At Knew Health, we understand that access to preventive healthcare means much more than just seeing the doctor once a year. True preventive care encompasses your whole wellness journey. Staying healthy benefits everyone in our Medical Cost Sharing Community, which is why preventive care plays such a large part in a Knew Health Membership. We know how important these services are, so there are never copayments or coinsurance, and they do not count towards your IUA (Initial Unshareable Amount). Here's a breakdown of what your Membership always includes:

• Women's Wellness Visits
• Annual Physicals
• Adult Immunizations
• Childhood Immunizations
• Colonoscopy or Cologuard
• Mammography or Thermography
• Baby Wellness Visits
• Birth Control

• 35% Discount on High-Quality Supplements
• FitOn Fitness App Membership
• Wellzyperks Membership (with discounts on healthy lifestyle purchases)
• $200 Self-Care Credit towards wellness services
• No Cost and Discounted Blood Work and Testing
• Personalized Health and Life Coaching
• 24/7 Telemedicine

• Peace of Mind (for unexpected Medical Needs)
• Concierge Support
• Bill Negotiation
• Maternity Sharing
• Knew Options (Surgical Second Opinion Service)

And the list keeps growing. Contact Knew Health today to learn how you can become a part of our growing Community.

Preventive healthcare is about staying proactive and taking control of your wellness journey before issues arise. It's essential to find a health Community that aligns with your values and focuses on keeping you healthy rather than just treating illnesses as they come. Look for a Community that prioritizes your wellbeing, offers the tools and support you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and catches potential problems early.

With a Community that truly has your best interests in mind, you're not just managing your health—you're actively investing in a longer, healthier life. Remember, Knew Health is NOT health insurance—it's a Medical Cost Sharing Community where Members support each other's eligible Medical Needs through monthly contributions. Together, we're creating a more compassionate, affordable approach to healthcare that puts you and your family first.

Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. This information will be used at your own risk based on your judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention. Knew Health is not health insurance. Medical Cost Sharing is not insurance and the organization is not an insurance company.

"Preventive Care." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , 17 Mar. 2022, www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/preventive-care/index.html.

"Preventive Care Benefits for Adults." Healthcare.Gov , www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-adults/.

Sahnow, Katie. "Preventive Care 101: What, Why and How Much." Health Partners , www.healthpartners.com/blog/preventive-care-101-what-why-and-how-much/.