Taking charge of your well‑being

Proactive health care is about preventing health problems before they happen, rather than waiting until you fall sick and then treating the illness. It encourages individuals to take active steps every day to maintain and improve their health through good lifestyle habits, regular checkups, and early screenings. This approach focuses on being forward‑looking, planning ahead, and catching potential issues in their early stages when they’re easier to manage and treat.

Unlike reactive care, which only responds when a person becomes ill, proactive health care places importance on prevention and early detection. By adopting preventive habits like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and attending routine health screenings, individuals can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.

The benefits of proactive health care are significant. First, it leads to better long‑term health outcomes for individuals. Regular screenings and lifestyle management often mean that conditions are identified early, resulting in easier and more effective treatment. Second, it can reduce the financial burden of healthcare, as preventing disease is often less expensive than treating advanced illnesses. Third, proactive health habits can improve a person’s overall quality of life, boosting energy levels, strengthening immunity, and enhancing mental well‑being.

Rohan Dixit, an alumnus from Apeejay School, Kharghar, suggests, “For students, adopting proactive health care is especially important. Busy academic schedules, stress, and irregular routines can take a toll on physical and mental health. By making small changes like staying active, choosing nutritious foods, prioritising sleep, and practising mindfulness, students can stay healthier, perform better in their studies, and build habits that last a lifetime.”

Proactive health care is not only beneficial for individuals but also creates exciting career opportunities, he shared.

“With increasing global focus on preventive health, professionals are needed in areas such as health education, wellness coaching, preventive medicine, public health advocacy, and data analytics for health monitoring. Careers in preventive health tech, like designing apps and wearable devices that track fitness and health markers, are also growing rapidly. Moreover, roles like community health workers, nutritionists, health educators, and preventive care specialists allow young people to help others lead healthier lives while building fulfilling careers,” he added.