Life expectancy globally has been growing steadily over the past few decades and is expected to continue to improve as healthcare develops globally. In the United States, the average life expectancy in 2022 is about 78 years, and by 2035, this figure is expected to be nearly 80 years. While this is undoubtedly good news, the prevalence of chronic diseases has also increased as people live longer. Therefore, the pursuit of longevity is not only to live longer, but also to maintain a high-quality life during the elderly. Fortunately, our modern understanding of biological systems can provide powerful insights on how to work towards a healthier future. In this article, we will discuss the importance of taking an active approach to patient health through preventive care and examine how personalized approaches to improve lifespan.
Prioritize prevention methods
As we spend our lives, our bodies experience varying degrees of wear and tear. Sometimes these injuries are easily noticed: sunburn, twisted ankles, rashes. Other damages accumulate in our cells and tissues, in which they are not easily observed but have the same effect on our health. For example, chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are all associated with inflammation for a long time, and the inflammation period usually occurs asymptomatically for years before causing serious problems.
The most effective way to prevent these diseases and improve long-term quality of life is through medical preventive care models. However, many patients may be reluctant to seek care while they are healthy. This hesitation may be due to past medical trauma, financial problems, or simply not understanding the benefits of preventive health care. Building a trust relationship with patients can greatly traverse these obstacles.
It is important to be one of the collaborative partnerships, not paternalism. Work with patients to help them understand the value of preventive medicine in promoting long-term health and autonomy. As part of this partnership, it is important to understand whether your patients have a medical trauma background or whether there is systemic inequality that affects how they navigate on their healthcare journey. This can enable healthcare teams to practice traumatic communication, build stronger relationships that benefit healthcare providers and their patients.
Financial issues can also prevent patients from seeking preventive care. In 2023, about two-fifths of adults (ages 19-64) reported delays or skipping some health care due to medical expenses. It is important to help patients understand that preventive care is a long-term investment in health. Providers can also work to implement sliding scale payment models or bundled assessments with other services to reduce access barriers. For many patients, providing them with specific, data-driven insights and actions can also help them recognize the value of preventive care.
Looking at the hood
As part of the annual inspection procedure, providers are already familiar with incorporating blood surveys and recognize the value of laboratory tests on cholesterol or glucose levels. However, these tests often examine only a narrow set of biomarkers and do not provide a complete picture. With patients’ internal risk markers, a more comprehensive and thorough biomarker group can better confer common decisions.
Many doctors may know that age is a difference in physiological health, which is influenced by lifestyle choices and genetics. To gain a more nuanced understanding of biological aging, hormone status and balance, blood sugar control, metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, lipid abnormalities, immune system health status, etc. need to be incorporated. Combined together, these factors determine a person’s biological age. Incorporating biological age assessments enables clinicians to re-introduce conversations around aging and chronic disease prevention and can transition from reactive care to aggressive system-based interventions.
For example, patients with elevated markers of inflammation may prompt clinicians to look for hidden sources of inflammation, such as intestinal malnutrition or environmental exposure. A comprehensive platelet may also reveal early signs of insulin resistance and chronic blood sugar exposure, prompting patient conversations to focus on diabetes prevention. Likewise, assessments of thyroid and hormonal health can help address concerns in patients with low energy, motivation or metabolism. Integrating a thorough blood plate into routine care can serve as an effective test for personalized guidance for preventive care and can even help resolve existing symptoms.
Preventive health measures such as regular exercise and good eating habits have long been recommended. Blood biomarker testing is just the latest tool in the preventive health care kit, watching under the hood how genetics and lifestyle choices affect the body. With these panels, medical teams can identify problems before they interfere with daily life, helping patients map out healthier lifespans.
Responsible for your lifespan
It’s never too late to help your patients control their health. Our bodies are incredibly resilient and new treatments appear every day to help with the healing process. When you give patients a deeper understanding of their bodies, they are better prepared to take medical advice actions, with additional attention to biomarkers before starting to cause problems. There are no shortcuts on the road to longevity, but a comprehensive biomarker panel can point you and your patients in the right direction. Whether they just finished their last marathon or are ready to embark on a new health journey, a comprehensive blood plate can provide the medical team with the map they need for longer, healthier life spans.
Photo: Ridofranz, Getty Images
Dr. Jason Barker holds a PhD in Naturopathy and is a clinical laboratory educator with vibrant health. He completed a two-year residency at the National University of Natural Medicine and received a Clinical Research Certificate from the Oregon University of Health and Sciences. He has worked as a clinical consultant in the nutrition and sports medicine industry and has written numerous articles for journals such as alternative and complementary therapies, natural pharmacies and letters from Townsend. He is also a co-author of The Brain Herbs and Nutrition: Guide to Natural Brain Enhancers, a resource for exploring comprehensive strategies for enhancing cognitive function. Dr. Buck devotes his career to improving health through evidence-based approaches.
This article passed Mixed Influencer Programs. Anyone can post opinions on MedCity News’ healthcare business and innovation through MedCity Remacence. Click here to learn how.
