If your New Year’s resolutions usually only stick around for a few weeks, you aren’t alone. This year, try something new: building healthy habits that last.
Each year, millions of people in the United States set resolutions for how they’ll improve their lives, their work, or their health. But research shows that most of those resolutions fail just two weeks into the new year.
Looking to do something in 2026 to actually change your life for the better? Preventive care is the way to go. Start by scheduling an appointment with a primary care provider, like the providers on our team at Cempa Community Care.
A Primary Step Toward Prevention
If you aren’t feeling sick, why do you need to see a medical provider? When it comes to your health, preventive care can be the best medicine.
Seeing a primary care provider (PCP) regularly can help keep you healthy. Your PCP can talk with you about your health and how you’re feeling, physically and mentally. This information can often help identify health issues before they worsen — and sometimes, even before they develop.
During your appointments, your PCP can also recommend screenings and other tests based on your age, sex, and other factors, such as blood pressure checks, Pap smears, mammograms, and STI testing. Health conditions diagnosed through routine screening tests are often found in an early stage, meaning they’re more easily treated.
Other Preventive Health Habits
Preventing health issues from happening in the first place is a gift for your health. Along with seeing a primary care provider to get a good look at your health, you can also take other steps to protect your wellbeing.
Cempa is here to help, offering a full spectrum of services to help those in our community access the preventive and supportive care they need. Take these steps toward better health:
- Do what you can to manage your health conditions. If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition or an infectious disease, work with your medical providers to effectively treat and manage the condition. See your providers regularly and carefully follow your treatment plan.
- Give your mental health some attention. Your mental health is every bit as important as your physical health. If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, sadness, or a lack of interest in things you usually enjoy, a Cempa behavioral health specialist can help. It isn’t necessary to simply deal with hard emotions. Treatment is available to help you cope and overcome mental health problems.
- If needed, take medications as directed. If you’re prescribed medication to treat or prevent an illness, taking that medication as directed is important. The pharmacy team at Cempa can help you overcome any barriers to getting the medications you need and help you understand how to take them correctly.
- Take good care of your mouth. When it comes to your health, your dental habits can make a big difference. Research has shown that poor dental health can increase your risk of developing serious health issues, including heart disease. It’s important to brush and floss your teeth and see a dentist regularly.
You can also improve and protect your health by exercising regularly, eating a diet filled with fruits and vegetables, not smoking, and getting enough sleep each night. Ask your medical providers for tips about how you can incorporate those healthy habits into your daily life.
Cempa’s mission is to provide high-quality, affordable care to everyone in our community. We’re here to help you get and stay healthy. Have questions about our services? Call 423.265.2273 or send us an emailto learn more.
