Preventative health care plays a vital role in keeping Australians healthier for longer. It is more than just reacting to illness it is about preventing it before symptoms appear. At Lakes Family Medical Centre in Caboolture, our experienced General Practitioners (GPs) help patients take control of their health with tailored preventative health checks, risk assessments and proactive screening services.
Whether you are managing a chronic condition, seeking peace of mind or aiming to improve your overall wellbeing, this guide will show you how preventative health care can make a lasting impact.
What Is Preventative Health?
Preventative health refers to medical care focused on detecting, preventing and minimising the risk of disease. Through regular GP visits and lifestyle monitoring, you can:
- Detect early signs of chronic illness
- Reduce your long-term health risks
- Receive timely vaccinations
- Improve mental and physical wellbeing
- Access personalised health plans
The Importance of Regular Health Checks
Even if you feel healthy, regular visits to your GP can reveal health issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. These checks are an essential part of primary health care and can significantly improve your quality of life.
Benefits of Preventative Health Checks
- Early detection of chronic diseases
- Long-term management of existing conditions
- Timely immunisations and health advice
- Improved outcomes through early intervention
- Reduced need for hospital visits or urgent care
What to Expect During a Health Check
When you attend a health check with your GP, you will discuss:
- Personal and family medical history
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, diet, physical activity)
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels
- Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Mental health and wellbeing
Your GP will then recommend any necessary screenings, treatments or chronic disease management plans based on your age, risk factors and health goals.
Key Preventative Health Screenings by Age and Risk
Heart Health Checks
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Australia, but early detection through heart health assessments can help reduce your risk.
Recommended checks:
- Blood pressure (every 1–2 years or annually if over 40)
- Cholesterol and lipid levels (every 5 years after age 45 or 40 if high risk)
- ECG (Electrocardiogram) for heart rhythm assessment
- Weight and waist circumference tracking
Medicare-funded heart health checks are available for people aged 45 and over (or 30+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples).
Diabetes Risk Assessment and Monitoring
Type 2 diabetes often goes undiagnosed for years. Preventative screening through your GP can reduce the risk of complications.
Diabetes screening includes:
- Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c tests
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
- AUSDRISK assessment tool
You are at higher risk if you are over 45 and overweight, have a family history or belong to a high-risk ethnic background.
Cancer Screenings for Early Detection
Bowel Cancer Screening
- Australians aged 50–74 receive free kits every 2 years via the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
- People aged 45–49 can request a free kit
- High-risk individuals may need more frequent colonoscopies
Breast Cancer Screening
- Mammograms every 2 years for women aged 50 to 74 through Breast Screen Australia
- Women in their 40s or over 75 should consult their GP
Cervical Screening Test
- Every 5 years for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74
- Self-collection now available
- Detects HPV, which can cause cervical cancer
Skin Cancer Checks
- Self-monitoring monthly for unusual moles or lesions
- Annual full-body checks, especially for outdoor workers or fair-skinned individuals
- Early treatment improves outcomes significantly
Eye, Dental and Hearing Health
These essential services form part of ongoing preventative care, particularly as you age.
- Eye tests: Every 2 years or annually if over 65 or at risk of glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration
- Dental check-ups: Annually for cleanings, decay prevention and gum disease screening
- Hearing assessments: Recommended if you experience signs of hearing loss or communication difficulty
Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention
Osteoporosis can develop without symptoms but increases the risk of serious fractures. If you are over 50 or have risk factors (such as low body weight, smoking or long-term steroid use), your GP may refer you for a bone density test.
Women’s Preventative Health Checks
Women experience unique health challenges throughout life and proactive screening helps maintain long-term wellbeing.
- Cervical screening every 5 years
- Mammograms every 2 years
- Reproductive health advice and antenatal care
- Menopause support and bone health management
Men’s Preventative Health Checks
Men are less likely to see a doctor regularly, but preventative health checks are critical for early intervention.
- Prostate health discussions from age 50 (earlier if family history exists)
- Lifestyle assessments including diet, alcohol and activity levels
- Heart and diabetes risk management
Preventative Health for Older Adults
As people age, regular health monitoring becomes even more important. Your GP can tailor care to suit your evolving needs.
Recommended health checks for older adults include:
- Annual physical exams
- Blood pressure and cholesterol checks
- Diabetes testing
- Cognitive assessments
- Bowel and bone density screening
- Vision, hearing and dental reviews
- Immunisations (influenza, pneumonia, shingles, tetanus)
Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Support Preventative Care
Good habits go hand-in-hand with medical check-ups. At home, you can protect your health by:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit and fibre
- Exercising for 30–60 minutes most days
- Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol intake
- Sleeping 7–9 hours per night
- Practising sun safety and checking your skin regularly
- Managing stress and seeking mental health support when needed
Why Choose Lakes Family Medical Centre for Preventative Healthcare?
At Lakes Family Medical Centre in Brisbane, our team of accredited GPs and allied health professionals offer personalised, patient-centred care. We provide:
- Comprehensive health assessments
- Chronic disease management plans
- Mental health care plans
- Lifestyle support and allied health referrals
- Preventative screening services tailored to your age, lifestyle and family history
Final Thoughts
Preventative health is not something to think about only when you are unwell it is a lifelong commitment to better health, better living and better outcomes. By visiting your GP regularly, following a healthy lifestyle and staying informed, you are investing in your future.