Healthy Habits, Happy Families The importance of preventive healthcare for your family’s future BY TAYLOR BOLLINGER SPONSORED BY
I n the hustle of daily life, the importance of preventive care often takes a back seat to more immediate concerns. When there are bills to pay, meetings to make and children to raise, it’s normal to view health through a reactive lens. But Dr. Terry Mills, chief medical officer of Aetna Better Health® of Oklahoma, invites families to challenge that norm. He shares why taking a proactive approach to health can benefit families in the long run and offers simple, actionable steps to make it a reality. Why prioritize preventive care? Understanding the importance of preventive healthcare begins with recognizing its benefits. Preventive care focuses on addressing health risks proactively, identifying potential issues early and avoiding complications. Regular screenings, immunizations and check-ups not only improve long-term health outcomes but also save money. “For example, addressing childhood obesity through proper nutrition and physical activity now can prevent adult diabetes and its associated complications,” explains Dr. Mills. On the contrary, reactive care deals with existing problems and typically consumes more time, attention and resources. Dr. Mills emphasizes the importance of preventive healthcare: “Preventive care helps avoid more severe health issues, enabling families to spend quality time together rather than managing chronic illnesses.” Preventive measures for children For children especially, the importance of preventive healthcare cannot be overstated. Preventive care varies by a child’s age but is essential for fostering healthy development. Routine screenings and nurturing environments lay the foundation for cognitive, social and language growth in infancy. Routine developmental screenings beginning as infants ensure physical and behavioral milestones are on track.
As children grow, vaccinations play a critical role. “Vaccines protect against many once widespread diseases like polio, measles and mumps, which once caused significant illness, lasting disability or death,” explains Dr. Mills. During a child’s school years, fostering social skills, encouraging physical play and forming friendships are equally vital for long- term emotional and behavioral health. Dr. Mills highlights the benefits of regular check-ups: “They allow providers to track milestones, identify issues early and offer parents guidance on what to look for at home.” Early detection can lead to simpler, more effective interventions for speech delays, learning disorders or physical health concerns. The role of parents Parents set the foundation for healthy habits through modeling and encouragement, underscoring the importance of preventive healthcare in the home. “Children learn what they see,” said Dr. Mills. “When parents demonstrate healthy routines, those behaviors become part of their children’s lives.” Shared meals, regular outdoor activities and open communication reinforce these habits. Additionally, exploring diverse foods encourages curiosity and healthy eating patterns early on. Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma supports member families with extra benefits, such as providing $50 annually for sports or after- school programs and $40 for zoo or state park passes. “These incentives make preventive care and supportive family activities more accessible and engaging for families,” said Dr. Mills. Practical steps for integrating preventive practices Families can easily integrate preventive care into daily routines. Regularly sharing meals promotes healthy eating and connection. Physical activities like walking or playing games improve overall
14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH-APRIL 2025
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