Preventative Medicine Specialist

Jason Leonard, MD, FAAFP, DABOM -  - Board-Certified Family Practice Physician

Jason Leonard, MD, FAAFP, DABOM

Board-Certified Family Practice Physician & Board-Certified Obesity Medicine Specialist located in Sumter, SC & Columbia, SC

As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventative medicine works to maintain your health by implementing changes to prevent and avoid disease, rather than treating it after it develops. Through regular physical exams, preventive screenings, and more, Jason Leonard, MD, FAAFP, DABOM, can help you maintain your best health with preventative medicine that’s right for you. Call the Columbia or Sumter, South Carolina, office today or request an appointment online to learn more.

Preventative Medicine Q & A

What is preventative medicine?

When you get sick or injured, you visit the doctor. Many treatments in the health care world are aimed at treating disease or injury that’s already happened. While it’s impossible to prevent every illness or injury, preventative medicine strives to reduce your risk of developing common health issues while promoting overall wellness. 

Preventative medicine is focused on avoiding illness, disease, and injury. Preventative care is a joint effort between you and your health care team. Your health needs are unique, and preventative medicine evaluates your risk of common health conditions so you can make educated decisions about your care, before you develop a chronic condition.

Why is preventative medicine important?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, but it’s largely preventable. Along with heart disease, other common avoidable health conditions include hypertension, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes.

Preventative medicine is important because it’s focused on these chronic conditions and others that can harm your health and shorten your life. Preventing a disease in the first place is often easier and more effective than managing a condition that’s already developed.

Heart disease, diabetes, and many other health conditions can’t be cured. Preventing disease before it has an impact on your health means you could experience fewer health complications, live longer, and spend less money on health care. 

How can preventative medicine help me stay healthy?

Dr. Leonard is passionate about providing comprehensive care for the whole person. He partners with you to deliver high-quality preventative care alongside chronic condition management to keep you healthy throughout life. 

Depending on your unique health history and risk factors, he recommends the preventative care that’s best for you. For example, if you have a family history of diabetes, preventative steps to reduce your risk of developing it can help improve and maintain your health in the long term. 

Dr. Leonard employs an evidence-based approach with preventative medicine. Your care plan might include preventative screenings, diagnostic testing, immunizations, and tips for implementing healthy lifestyle changes. 

It’s never too late to protect and improve your well-being. To learn more about preventative medicine, schedule an appointment online or call one of the offices in Columbia or Sumter, South Carolina, today.