Preventive Care
Body Mass Index (BMI)
The body mass index (BMI) is a statistical measure which compares a person's weight and height. Though it does not actually measure the percentage of body fat, it is used to estimate a healthy body weight based on a person's height. Due to its ease of measurement and calculation, it is the most widely used diagnostic tool to identify weight problems within a population, usually whether individuals are underweight, overweight or obese. Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with overweight and obesity.
Preventive Care
Preventative medicine or preventative care refers to measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries rather then curing them or treating their symptoms. Simple examples of preventive medicine include hand washing and immunizations. Preventive care may include examinations and screening tests tailored to an individual's age, health, and family history. For example, a person with a family history of certain cancers or other diseases would begin screening at an earlier age and/or more frequently than those with no family history.
Adult Screening Guidelines-Women Ages 18 and Older
Adult Screening Guidelines-Men Ages 18 and Older
Immunizations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains current recommendations of vaccines for infants, children and adults. Visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm to see what immunizations are recommended for you.
Diabetes Care
Diabetes is a serious disease. Following a diabetes management plan takes commitment. Careful diabetes care can reduce your risk of serious, even life threatening complications. Here are ways to take an active role in diabetes care and enjoy a healthier future.
- Make a commitment to managing your diabetes.
- Don’t smoke
- Schedule routine appointments and regular eye exams
- Keep vaccines up to date
- Take care of your teeth
- Pay attention to your feet
- If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly
- Take stress seriously.
When needed, your physician may ask that an Important Diabetes Care Reminder letter be sent out to patients who are due for tests and/or appointments.
Download Diabetes Care Reminder Letter
Riverside Community Diabetes Collaborative (RCDC)
The RCDC's Diabetes Resource Directory is now available to the community. This directory was designed to help people access the services and resources that they need to prevent diabetes and to help those with diabetes to find care and support services to live healthy, active lives. This directory is FREE and can be found online at www.rchf.org/rcdc.
To calculate your body mass index (for adults and children), visit the CDC’s website at: