Health Checklist

Introduction

The state of preventive medicine is not satisfactory according to most experts. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the use of preventive medicine services is still low in the general US population, despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines and recommendations ¹. Lack of awareness, access barriers, competing priorities, provider factors, and cost issues, were cited as some of the reasons for this low utilization. Moreover, suggested strategies to increase the use of preventive services include improving health literacy, enhancing patient-provider communications, reducing financial and structural barriers, implementing quality improvement initiatives, and engaging stakeholders. The health checklist we are providing here is a first step addressing these issues. It’s an easy-to-follow guide bringing awareness about the action steps an individual could undertake personally, and with a primary care doctor, to optimize health. The goal is to decrease the incidence of acute and chronic diseases, increase longevity and quality of life. The guide includes both aspects of traditional preventive medicine and more leading-edge health information provided by direct-to-consumer companies addressing the human genome, epigenome, and microbiome. The binary scoring system brings into focus aspects of health in need of consultations with healthcare providers, and treatment as appropriate.

This work is in progress. It will be updated with users’ input and as medical science advances. This checklist was prepared with the full awareness that not all of us will be able to implement all the steps outlined because of economic reasons. Nevertheless, many steps could be taken by simply being mindful, especially in the lifestyle, social and environmental factors, and medical history sections. Those alone could result in better health and longevity.

¹ Levine S, Malone E, Lekiachvili A, Briss P. Health Care Industry Insights: Why the Use of Preventive Services Is Still Low. Prev Chronic Dis 2019; 16:180625. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd16.180625.

Users

This health checklist is meant to be informational for healthy people seeking awareness in maintaining health considering personal habits, social environmental factors, data available from healthcare providers, and genetic background. If you are sick or feel sick just head straight to your doctor.

Methods & References

The checklist was mainly based on information published by public health organizations (e.g., WHO, US CDC, NIH, UK NHS, and others), research universities and hospitals, and various private medical societies. Each section contains multiple web links providing information on the subjects in question. The user is encouraged to consult these links if unfamiliar with the topics or wishes to obtain a broader perspective. The section on physical examinations was constructed in part using information derived from elementary textbooks of medicine, notably Hutchison’s Clinical Methods, 18^th Ed. (Swash, M. & Maso, S., Bailliere Tindall, London) and A Short Textbook of Medicine, 6^th Ed. (Houston, J.C., Joiner, C.L. & Trounce, J.R., J.B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia. Public domain AI was also used in constructing this work.

Disclaimer

This website is provided as a free public service with the sole intention of promoting health and well-being. The information and checklist presented here are based on personal experience and research, but they do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information for any individual or situation, and are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The owner of this website is not affiliated with any commercial or fee-charging health professional organizations. We do not endorse or promote any specific medical products, services, or treatments. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.

Individual health needs and circumstances vary, and what may be suitable for one person may not be suitable for another. Before making any significant changes to your health regimen or lifestyle, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your unique needs and medical history. By using this website and following the checklist of health-focused action steps, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. The owner of this website and its contributors shall not be held responsible for any actions taken or decisions made based on the information provided here.

Remember that preventive medicine and health maintenance are ongoing processes, and it is essential to stay informed and consult with healthcare professionals regularly to make informed decisions about your health.

Privacy

This website does not retain any data entered. For your protection, please reset all worksheets to its original format once you leave. It is your responsibility to save or print any information you wish to retain.

"Prevention is better than cure" Desiderius Erasmus

Preventive medicine plays a crucial role in enhancing public health by focusing on proactive measures to avoid illness. By promoting healthy lifestyles, vaccinations, and early screenings, it significantly reduces the burden on healthcare systems and improves overall quality of life. It empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being and fosters a healthier, more sustainable society.

A Health Checklist