Benjamin Franklin was on to something when he famously said in the 1700s, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Today, this saying rings true when it comes to the importance of health screenings. But, when life gets busy, it can be tempting to delay or skip recommended tests. After all, there is always competing priorities—whether it be family, work, or personal conflicts. On the other hand, preventive screenings can save you time, money, as well as your health. By speaking to your provider and understanding what tests are best for you, as well as scheduling those screenings, you may catch a health issue before it becomes a major health problem.
Emily Ciancette, family nurse practitioner with Northern Light Primary Care in Pittsfield, explains, “Screenings allow me as a provider to see subtle signs of a potential problem. With early intervention, a treatment plan can be put into place sooner helping patients live a longer, healthier life.”
How do I know what screenings I should get?
It’s always a great idea to speak to your provider, as family health history and your current health status or any pre-existing health conditions play a role in what screenings you may need when. However, for a basic list of recommended screenings, you can go to the US Department of Health and Human Services free screening tool. If you would like to speak with a clinician, you can find a Northern Light provider today through our online scheduling system.
Need a screening mammogram? Don’t wait and schedule yours today!
Northern Light Health now allows you to schedule mammograms conveniently online without needing a referral from a provider. Go to: Breast Care and Mammograms - Northern Light Health