Now there are certain risk factors that you can modify.  These include factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, level of activity, diet high in saturated fats, diet high in salt, smoking.  Addressing these risk factors can have a positive impact and lower your risk in regards to heart disease overtime.
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When treating my patients I always encourage lifestyle change and modification if possible before considering medication.  Using resources such as a wellness coach or nutritionist are helpful resources to achieve your goal.  Unfortunately not all insurance companies cover such wonderful preventative measures.  Check with your insurance company to see if those things are covered and then discuss options of lifestyle changes with your provider.
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My nutritionist said it’s not what you do 20% of the time that counts but what you do 80% of the time that is key.  I have always advised my patients that depravation is not ideal for longterm sustaining lifestyle changes.  But making choices to make small changes to your lifestyle are important and can be helpful.  The goal of 30 min of physical activity 5 times a week recommended by the American Heart Association may be a lot to start off with so I recommend that my patients start off with 10-15minutes 7 days a week to create the habit and then slowly progress.  Schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss ways to slowly incorporate healthy choices in your lifestyle to make lasting changes to begin modification of some of the modifiable risk factors. 

Human Papillomavirus vaccines can help prevent infection from the high risk subtypes of human papilloma virus that can cause cervical canceler and also some of the low risk types that can cause genital warts.  Both men and women are recommended to be vaccinated.   If given in the preteen years only 2 doses of the vaccine are needed however the vaccination is available for both men and women up to the age of 45 years old.

Also more commonly known as the PapSmear is a test that is done to determine cell changes at the cervix cause by HPV.  Typically when this gynecological test is done co-testing is done for HPV virus is done as well which is an important way to determine if there is HPV present.

Personally in my practice I encourage women to try and do it 4 times a year.  If you find anything abnormal or concerning don’t panic but do report your findings to your health care provider who might then perform a clinical-breast exam before considering any imaging studies

If there is one thing that has come out of the pandemic for some of my patients, its a moment to take stock in their health.  I have had a influx of patients establishing care for the first time in years because they have realized as one patient put it, "My check engine light has been on for years."

P.C.P. stands for Primary Care Provider.  Provider is usually considered a physician however, a provider can be a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant.  You should check with your insurance company as some insurance provider preclude your P.C.P. being anything other than a physician.  

A question I sometimes get from patient is wondering if the care is the same between a physician, nurse practitioner and physician assistant.  Physicians go to medical school and residency focusing on primary care for a total of 7-8 years.  Nurse Practitioners who are also registered nurses undergo extensive training for 6-8 years depending on their focus which includes their education to become a nurse.  In 22 states (I believe) NP's (nurse practitioners) can function autonomously (or in other words have full practice authority).  Whether you are seeing a nurse practitioner, physicians assistant, or physician.  It is important to establish a relationship with someone that you feel you can trust.

I have always liked the moniker that I am a "Pediatrician for Adults".  It makes the scope of what I do a little easier for people unfamiliar with a PCP or internist to latch on to.  Having a PCP, in my view is like having a friend whom you can go to when you aren't feeling well or having a friend that you talk to yearly just to make sure you are on  track for the goal of being healthy.  My job as a provider is to help make sure that you have as much knowledge as I can to make the decisions that impact your current health and your future health.  

Deciding to get a PCP is easy finding one can be challenging and daunting.  My suggestion is to first ask around to friends and family that you trust.  Word of mouth referrals are a powerful tool.  I will also say that not every match is made if heaven but it is a good place to start.