In 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 healthcare?
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 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. By age 2, screenings ensure physical and behavioral milestones are on track.
As children grow, vaccinations play a critical role.
“Vaccines protect against diseases like polio and mumps, which once caused severe 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 by providing $50 annually for sports or after-school programs and $40 for zoo or state park passes.
“These incentives make preventive care 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 well-being, while consistent bedtimes and scheduled check-ups create a stable foundation for health.
Transportation and financial barriers often prevent families from accessing care. Medicaid plans, including Aetna Better Health, offer transportation benefits and no-cost preventive services. Pharmacies also provide accessible options for vaccinations, and telehealth services enable families to receive care from home. Many pediatric offices now offer evening and weekend appointments, addressing time constraints.
Beyond physical health
Preventive care extends beyond the physical into emotional and mental health as well. Routine well-child visits often include cognitive and emotional screenings, assessing for anxiety, depression or family challenges.
These visits provide parents an opportunity to discuss concerns, like changes in behavior or struggles at school, and seek timely interventions.
“Early signs of speech delays or learning disorders are more effectively treated when identified early,” explains Dr. Mills. “Delays addressing these issues can make them harder to manage later.”
Importance of preventive healthcare
The benefits of preventive care are evident in the data. Dr. Mills shared that in 2024, 89 percent of 120 reported measles cases were among unvaccinated or unknown-status children. Vaccination coverage has declined, leaving more children vulnerable to preventable illnesses.
“These statistics underscore the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect individual and community health,” warns Dr. Mills.
Families prioritizing preventive care often experience better health and stronger dynamics. Children are generally healthier, more engaged in school and able to form meaningful connections.
“These habits foster stronger family bonds and ensure long-term well-being,” adds Dr. Mills.
Evolving preventive healthcare
Looking ahead, Dr. Mills envisions expanded access to primary care, especially in rural and underserved areas.
“Enhanced trust in healthcare providers and continued cost coverage for preventive services will encourage families to embrace proactive health management,” said Dr. Mills.
Innovations like expanded vaccine lists and integrated community services will further reduce preventable illnesses.
Preventive care is particularly critical for busy parents.
“Taking time for well-child visits now can prevent larger problems later,” said Dr. Mills.
Early interventions build trust with providers, making it easier to navigate care when challenges arise. Tools like patient portals and nurse hotlines help parents manage concerns efficiently, saving time and stress.
A healthier future
While preventive care requires intentionality, its benefits far outweigh the effort. By fostering healthy habits, engaging in regular check-ups, and utilizing available resources, families can ensure their children thrive.
“Investing in preventive care today creates a foundation for a healthier, happier future for everyone,” said Dr. Mills.
