“Can you describe one way you’ve tailored preventive care to your family’s specific needs? How has this proactive approach benefited your family’s health?”
Scheduling annual screenings around conditions with a family history
We tailored preventive care by scheduling annual screenings around conditions with a family history rather than relying only on standard checkups. For example, because hypertension runs in the family, we began routine blood pressure monitoring at home and arranged earlier cardiovascular screenings than typical guidelines recommend. This proactive adjustment caught elevated readings in one family member before they developed into a serious issue, allowing lifestyle changes and medication to be introduced early. The benefit has been twofold: improved long-term health outcomes and greater peace of mind knowing risks are being managed before symptoms appear. Anticipating vulnerabilities rather than waiting for them to surface has shifted health care from reactive treatment to active prevention.
Rory Keel, Owner, Equipoise Coffee
Emotional check-ins
In our family, we’ve made emotional check-ins a form of preventive care, treating them with the same seriousness as an annual physical. This proactive approach has been essential for building resilience and maintaining open communication, especially with the unique pressures children and adolescents face today.
This isn’t a formal, scheduled meeting, but rather a conscious effort to normalize conversations about feelings. It’s asking, “How is your heart today?” instead of just, “How was your day?” This practice creates a safe space where it’s okay for a child—or a parent—to admit they’re struggling without it escalating into a crisis. It’s about tending to emotional scrapes before they become deep wounds.
The benefit has been profound. It has equipped our children with a strong emotional vocabulary and taught them that mental health is simply health. By addressing small anxieties and frustrations early, we’ve fostered a family culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. This foundation of trust and emotional honesty is the most powerful preventive tool I know.
Ishdeep Narang, MD, Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist | Founder, ACES Psychiatry, Orlando, Florida
Personalized prevention blueprin
One example that stands out is how I’ve tailored preventive care for my family’s oral health by creating what I call a “personalized prevention blueprint” for each of us—similar to the approach I use with my patients, but adapted for our home routine.
Instead of relying solely on standard six-month checkups, I started by assessing each family member’s unique risk factors. For example, my spouse has a family history of gum disease, my teenager is in orthodontic treatment, and my youngest tends to snack frequently—each of these factors affects oral health differently. I used that information to customize our care: water flossers for easier cleaning around braces, an anti-inflammatory mouth rinse for gum health, and switching my youngest to xylitol-based snacks to help reduce cavity risk.
We also implemented small, consistent habits that make prevention feel natural rather than a chore. This includes nightly family “floss time” where we all do it together, and quarterly at-home fluoride varnish treatments for those at higher risk for decay. I’ve also incorporated dietary adjustments—more leafy greens and dairy for enamel support, and limiting sticky, sugary treats that can linger on teeth.
The benefits have been tangible. My spouse’s gum health has stabilized without needing more aggressive intervention, my teenager has had zero cavities during orthodontic treatment (a big win), and my youngest has become genuinely proud of getting “no cavities” at checkups. Perhaps most importantly, this proactive approach has made oral health a shared family value—something we all understand and participate in, rather than something I, as the dentist in the family, simply enforce.
By addressing each person’s needs early and consistently, we’ve avoided larger, more costly dental issues and strengthened the connection between our daily habits and long-term health. It’s prevention in the truest sense—personal, consistent, and empowering.
Quyen Dang, Dentist, Optimal Dental Center
Making 150 minutes of weekly movement non-negotiable
One way I’ve tailored preventive care at home is by making 150 minutes of weekly movement non-negotiable. On Sundays, we play a sport, Monday to Friday, we do a 30-minute walk every night after work, and 3 of those days we go to the gym to do strength exercises. Everyone does a different exercise in the gym depending on what they are focusing but the idea is to do it together so we stay on course. Keeping it simple and consistent is the key to energy, better sleep, fewer aches, and healthier blood test. The key is treating 150 minutes as a must, then making the “how” flexible so no one quits.
Julio Baute, Medical Doctor, Invigor Medical
Scheduling appointments early
I’ve done the same for my family with seasonal health patterns we tend to struggle with. For us, that means allergies and respiratory issues that flare up in the spring and fall. Instead of waiting for symptoms to hit hard, we started working with our doctor to create a proactive plan: scheduling appointments a month before allergy season, adjusting meds in advance, and even running an air purifier at home before pollen counts peak.
The result has been a huge reduction in sick days and urgent care visits. I’ve noticed my own energy stays steadier since I’m not fighting constant sinus pressure. Plus we’ve gotten into the habit of tracking local pollen counts and taking small preventive steps like showering after outdoor play or keeping windows shut on high count days.
The biggest benefit has been peace of mind—what used to feel like an annual struggle is now a breeze. It taught me that preventive care isn’t just about annual checkups; it’s about knowing your family’s patterns and building small habits that keep everyone healthy all year.
Sovic Chakrabarti, Director, Icy Tales
Regular medical checkups, heart health monitoring, and lifestyle modifications
After learning about my family’s history of heart disease, I implemented a comprehensive approach to preventive care that includes regular medical checkups, heart health monitoring, and lifestyle modifications. Our family now follows a heart-healthy diet, maintains consistent exercise routines, and regularly monitors key metrics like cholesterol and blood pressure. This proactive strategy has significantly reduced our health risks and provided us with greater peace of mind about our long-term wellbeing. The personalized approach has been more effective than generic health guidelines because it addresses our specific genetic predispositions.
Evan McCarthy, President and CEO, SportingSmiles
Seasonal home maintenance and health checklist
We created a seasonal home maintenance and health checklist that aligns preventive care with the demands of our living environment. For example, before summer heat peaks, we schedule HVAC servicing, change air filters, and review hydration and heat safety practices with the family. In colder months, we inspect insulation, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and update our emergency supplies.
This approach reduces the likelihood of environmental hazards affecting health and ensures that the home supports well-being year-round. By addressing these factors in a structured way, we have avoided heat-related illnesses, respiratory flare-ups, and unexpected system failures, creating a healthier and more resilient living space for everyone.
Ysabel Florendo, Marketing coordinator, Ready Nation Contractors