As an internal medicine doctor practicing in Southaven for over eight years, I have come to understand one fundamental principle: Prevention can often be more influential than treatment. Week after week, I encounter patients who regret not having sought help sooner, before diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease gradually took root. These ailments seldom manifest overnight; they develop over years due to minor imbalances in diet, stress, and lifestyle. The positive aspect is that small, consistent actions can halt this progression long before the necessity for medications or interventions arises.
A Practical Illustration
A patient in her early fifties recently visited me with slightly high blood pressure. She felt fine and believed it was merely “stress.” Instead of immediately prescribing medication, we concentrated on practical adjustments. She managed to include a 20-minute evening walk, reduce portion sizes, and dedicate ten minutes for relaxation before bedtime. At her six-month follow-up, her blood pressure was normal, and no medication was necessary. More critically, she expressed that she finally felt in command of her health. Accounts like hers remind me that prevention is not a distant concept; it is attainable.
The Efficacy of Prevention
Preventive health is not about achieving perfection. It revolves around staying ahead of disease. By identifying minor changes early, such as a gradual rise in cholesterol levels, a few excess pounds, or increased blood sugar, we can intervene before irreversible damage occurs. Preventive medicine saves lives and enhances quality of life. Patients who take early action frequently avoid complications that could hinder mobility, independence, and happiness later in life.
Minor Habits, Major Effect
You don’t need to undergo a drastic lifestyle change to see progress. These straightforward steps can genuinely accumulate:
– Move daily: Even a brisk 20- to 30-minute walk several days a week can lower blood pressure, elevate mood, and enhance heart health.
– Eat wisely: Emphasize vibrant vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Aim for balance rather than restriction.
– Prioritize rest: Strive for seven hours of sleep each night. Proper rest helps regulate hormones, repair tissues, and boost immunity.
– Manage anxiety: Deep breathing, prayer, journaling, or peaceful moments can lower cortisol levels and enhance focus.
– Stay updated on screenings: Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and age-appropriate cancer screenings form the backbone of preventive care.
Each of these decisions may seem minor, but collectively they can radically alter your future health.
Shifting the Perspective
Many individuals still visit their doctor only when experiencing discomfort. However, modern medicine is transitioning from a reactive model (“fix it when it’s broken”) to a proactive alliance. Patients who participate in preventive visits learn to comprehend their metrics, detect trends, and make early adjustments. As physicians, we are instrumental in that education. A brief conversation about nutrition or exercise can create a more enduring impact than a medication. Empowering patients with information is one of the most significant interventions we can provide.
A Message for Our Community
In the Mid-South, we confront high rates of chronic illness while simultaneously boasting a resilient, supportive community that cherishes family and faith. Those same values can propel better health. When someone commits to walking post-dinner, a spouse, neighbor, or friend is likely to join. Wellness becomes infectious. Prevention transcends individual action; it embodies community care. By promoting healthy habits in our homes, churches, and workplaces, we set off ripple effects that benefit everyone.
The Key Takeaway
Good health seldom relies on a single monumental decision; it is shaped by numerous small, consistent choices. Preventive care allows us to live longer, but also better, filled with more energy, independence, and peace of mind. The most opportune moment to focus on your health is before the need arises.
Shirisha Kamidi is a board-certified internal medicine physician and hospitalist at Baptist Memorial Hospital–Desoto in Southaven, Mississippi. She completed her internal medicine–pediatrics residency at Oakland University William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan after obtaining her medical degree from Kakatiya Medical College in India.
Dr. Kamidi is dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes and hospital efficiency through quality-improvement initiatives, including the reduction of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infections and improving care for myocardial infarction (MI) and congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. As an Epic Physician Builder, she enjoys streamlining clinical workflows to assist both providers and patients. She also contributes to evidence-based practice and academic collaboration, serving as a coauthor of the publication “Outcome on Reinstitution of Anticoagulation Following Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Single Institutional Analysis.”
In addition to her clinical duties, she serves as teaching faculty and mentors residents, medical students, and high school students considering healthcare careers. She is actively engaged with the American College of Physicians, the Society of Hospital Medicine, and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and she is a member of SHM’s Hospital Quality and Patient Safety Advocates Council (2025–2026).
Outside the medical field, she finds equilibrium through yoga, meditation, swimming, and traveling, aligning with her belief in a holistic well-being approach.