Proactive vs Reactive Healthcare: What’s The Difference?

Nearly all forms of healthcare can be broken down into one of two different categories: proactive and reactive.Unfortunately, most Americans focus strictly on proactive healthcare, only visiting the doctor’s office when a problem arises. While this may seem like the best course of action, many health and wellness experts are now
stressing the importance of reactive healthcare.

The Basics of Proactive vs Reactive

Reactive healthcare involves reacting to an adverse disease, injury,
condition or symptom. If you wake up one morning with a fever and body
aches, for instance, you may react by visiting the doctor. Depending on
the doc’s diagnosis, he or she may prescribe you with antibiotics to
help your body fight the infection. Both you and the doctor are reacting
to the symptoms.

Proactive healthcare differs from reactive in the sense that action is taking before
symptoms manifest. Rather than waiting until you feel the symptoms of
the cold or flu virus, you can take a proactive approach towards your
health by boosting your immune system with vitamin C, antioxidants, and
by drinking plenty of fluids.

Healthcare Costs

Healthcare in the US costs an estimated $3 trillion annually, which
is roughly the twice as much as other developed nations. The cost of
surgeries, prescription drugs, and other forms of treatment continues to
rise, placing a heavy financial burden on Americans and their families.
While there’s no way to completely eliminate these costs, there are
ways to reduce it, one of which is through proactive healthcare.

Focusing your efforts on proactive healthcare can drastically reduce
these costs, however. The average cost of an ER visit in 2013 was just
over $2,100 – a cost that can often be avoided through lifestyle
changes. A recent study found kidney stones to be among the most
expensive and common reasons for ER visits. Doctors say kidney stones
are often preventable, though, through dietary and lifestyle changes.

So, how can you take a more a proactive approach towards your healthcare?

Proactive Healthcare Tips:

• Schedule an appoint with your chiropractor for a spinal adjustment.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to a wide variety of adverse conditions if left unchecked.
• Don’t smoke.
• Wash fruits and vegetables purchased at the supermarket to clean off any pesticide residue.
• Maintain a physically active lifestyle.
• Strive for a solid 7-8 hours of restful sleep per night.
• Get regular “checkups” at your physician.

by summitadmin | Jul 28, 2015 | Lifestyle |