The Benefits of Preventative Care

The Benefits of Preventative Care

Regular Doctor VisitHow long has it been since you've had a physical or health screening? Preventative care can help you avoid potential health problems and ensure that current conditions are well managed. Woodbridge, VA, physician Dr. Deana Al-Khateeb offers preventative care services to her patients at Ridgeview Internal Medicine.

Preventative care is the key to good health

Many health problems don't cause symptoms in the early stages but may still damage your health. For example, the combination of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes increase your heart disease risk. Prompt diagnosis of these conditions can help you protect your heart. If you only visit the doctor when you notice painful or troubling symptoms, the condition or disease may be more difficult to control or treat. During a preventative care visit, your doctor can identify factors that may increase your risk of developing a disease or condition and offer advice and treatment if you already have a medical problem.

What happens during a preventative care visit?

Your visit will include a physical examination and a number of screenings, such as:

  • Weight Screening: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, diabetes and other conditions. If you've gained a few pounds over the years, your doctor can recommend healthy ways to lose weight and improve your health.
  • Blood Pressure Screening: High blood pressure can also have a devastating effect on your health and may lead to heart disease, heart failure or stroke if it's not controlled. If your blood pressure is only slightly high, your Woodbridge physician can recommend lifestyle changes that may be helpful. Medication may be prescribed in other cases.
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests identify many conditions and diseases that may cause no symptoms initially, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, anemia, HIV and thyroid disease.
  • Pelvic and Breast Examinations: Yearly examinations are particularly important if you're a woman.

Maintain your good health with regular preventative care visits. Call Woodbridge, VA, physician Dr. Deana Al-Khateeb of Ridgeview Internal Medicine at (703) 494-4116 to schedule an appointment.


This website includes materials that are protected by copyright, or other proprietary rights. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use, as defined in the copyright laws, requires the written permission of the copyright owners.

Contact Us


2000 Opitz Blvd Woodbridge, VA 22191