COVINGTON, Ga. – Making a few small diet and exercise changes, in addition to keeping up with simple health screenings, can make a significant difference in maintaining good health and preventing disease, according to Dr. Monica Chappell, a primary care physician at Piedmont Physicians of Covington. 

“A good balance between exercise and food intake is important to staying healthy,” Chappell said. “I encourage my patients to start by incorporating small changes such as drinking water, eating a fruit and vegetable with each meal, as well as walking at least 15 minutes a day.”

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes are responsible for seven of every 10 deaths among Americans each year and account for 75 percent of the nation’s health spending, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, these conditions are largely preventable.

This is why Dr. Chappell continues to make a case for preventive care as a part of an overall healthy lifestyle when having that initial conversation with her patients.

“Preventive care allows doctors to detect a disease or illness in its early stage when chances of successful treatment are the greatest,” Chappell, who is board certified in family medicine, said. “It’s never too late to get the screenings you need. I advise my patients to schedule the appointment near their birthdays so that each birthday can serve as a reminder to take care of their personal health.”

For more information about Piedmont Physicians of Covington or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chappell, visit piedmont.org.