12 Ways Preventive Wellness Is Changing Health: Health Before Treatment
7. Mental health as preventive care
Mental health is central to prevention. Untreated depression, anxiety, and chronic stress increase the risk of physical illness and make healthy habits harder to maintain. Early screening and access to brief counseling or coaching can interrupt that cycle. Workplaces that offer mental health screenings, Employee Assistance Programs, and timely referrals see benefits in both employee well-being and reduced absenteeism. Community clinics and primary care teams are increasingly integrating mental health screening into routine visits, which helps catch concerns early and normalize asking for help. Prevention here also means building daily practices—sleep routines, social connection, movement—that support resilience. Importantly, mental health services should be culturally sensitive and accessible in different formats, including virtual care. If you’re unsure where to start, a short validated screening tool or a single session with a counselor can point to next steps. Small, steady changes in mental health care often lead to meaningful improvements in overall health.
8. Nutrition, supplements, and evidence-based guidance
Nutrition is a cornerstone of prevention, but the supplement market can be confusing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates dietary supplements as a category of food, which means manufacturers may market many products without pre-market efficacy approval. Experts remind us most people can meet nutrient needs through a balanced diet, and supplements should be used carefully after discussing them with a clinician. That said, certain evidence-based supplements and targeted nutrition plans can support preventive goals when needed. Practical preventive nutrition focuses on whole foods, portion balance, and consistent habits: more vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and fewer ultra-processed items. For people considering supplements, prioritize products with third-party testing and clear labeling, and review potential interactions with medications. Prevention here is both personal and pragmatic: adopt small, sustainable changes to eating patterns, and use supplements judiciously when they serve a documented need. Nutrition counseling—available through many preventive programs—helps tailor recommendations to individual needs and keeps guidance grounded in reliable evidence.
