Preventive care and wellness: adding years to your life and life to your years.

AuthorEllis-Knapp, Jody
PositionHEALTH & MEDICINE - Geographic overview

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When you're feeling "fine," it is easy to ignore getting regular checkups and investing in preventive care. Taking the time and effort required to make screening appointments can get pushed to the back burner for months, or even years, beyond the recommended timeframes. But no matter your age or medical history, preventive care and screenings are an important part of continuing to feel "fine" and can, in the long run, save you both time and money, as well as potentially keeping you from having major medical issues.

INTEGRATED PREVENTION

Avante Medical Center is one of Anchorage's top facilities for what is known as integrated medicine, combining traditional primary care with naturopathic methods. Built by Dr. Jason Harmon in 2002, Avante offers patients a wide range of services. Preventive care is a major focus, as the staff at Avante believes that engaging in prevention and screening is one of the most important things people can do for themselves.

Dr. Deborah Kiley, DNP, FNP, FAANP with Avante, says part of Avante's initial intake process with patients includes a lengthy review of their medical history, family history and environmental influences. "After a physical examination is completed, individualized screening recommendations are made based on these findings, and in compliance with national guidelines. In addition to screening tests, recommendations regarding lifestyle changes, including nutrition and activity are made," she says.

Avante generally recommends that all adults get screened for vitamin D deficiency (most Alaskans are lacking), as well as blood pressure, blood sugar and lipids, and body mass index.

Kiley says the best prevention is a "healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and having a practice for stress management. Running, walking and skiing are some great ways to burn off stress, but it is equally important to have tools to use when you are quiet, which include mindfulness-based stress reduction, biofeedback, and progressive relaxation."

Nurse practioner LeeAnne Hellesto, also with Avante, says the company offers a variety of specialized treatments that are considered preventive. "Our focus is centered on utilizing a team approach," she says. "The patient is an important member of the team. The time and attention to detail spent with the providers allows for personalization of the treatment plan. This team can then find the areas of concern that often are the basis for...

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