Preventive medicine: the active way to more healthy years of life

Preventive medicine is the key to a long, healthy and self-determined life by shifting the focus from treating diseases to actively preventing them. Instead of waiting until symptoms appear, preventive medicine gives you the Preventive medicine The company has the tools to identify health risks at an early stage and counteract them effectively.¹ At Dr. Raphael Bruno's practice, we see ourselves as your guide and partner on this path. We support you with state-of-the-art diagnostics and scientifically sound advice to set the course for a healthy future.

The triad of preventive medicine: recognize, evaluate, act

The philosophy of Preventive medicine can be summarized in a simple triad: Recognize, Evaluate and Act. This systematic approach forms the basis for personalized health management and differs fundamentally from the reactive approach of traditional disease treatment.

Recognize: The first step is to take a comprehensive inventory. Where are you today? What genetic predispositions do you have? What influences is your body exposed to through your lifestyle?
Rate: In the second step, the information collected is analyzed and your personal risk profile is created. Where are your individual weaknesses and where are your strengths?
Act: Based on this analysis, a tailored, proactive plan is developed to minimize risks and maximize your health potential.

This proactive cycle is at the heart of a successful and sustainable Preventive medicine.

Step 1: The individual risk analysis in preventive medicine

Every person is unique. Therefore, every meaningful Preventive medicine with an in-depth analysis of your personal initial situation. In a detailed discussion, we take the time to identify all the relevant factors that influence your health today and in the future.

These include in particular

Family history: Did you have a family history of certain diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, diabetes or cancer? This gives us important information about possible genetic predispositions.
Lifestyle analysis: How do you eat? How much and how often do you exercise? How do you deal with stress? Do you smoke? How is your sleep quality?
Previous medical history: What illnesses or operations have you had in the past? What medication are you taking?
Current condition: Even if you feel healthy - are there any small irregularities or changes that you have noticed?

This careful anamnesis is the foundation on which all further steps are built.

Step 2: State-of-the-art early detection as the core of preventive medicine

The second step of the Preventive medicine is the objective assessment of your body using state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures. The aim of early detection is to discover pathological changes or functional disorders at a time when they are not yet causing symptoms and are easily treatable.

A comprehensive preventive medical check-up in our practice can include the following components, depending on the indication and age:

Comprehensive laboratory analysis: Going far beyond a simple blood count, we analyze detailed blood lipid and sugar values, inflammation markers, liver, kidney and thyroid values as well as important vitamins and trace elements.
ECG at rest and under stress: To assess heart function and to detect hidden circulatory or rhythm disturbances.
Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography): For detailed visualization of the heart structure, valve function and pumping force.
Vascular ultrasound: In particular, the carotid arteries in order to detect early signs of arteriosclerosis („vascular calcification“).
Pulmonary function test: To check the vital capacity of your lungs.

This „health inventory“ provides us with a precise picture of the current condition of your organ systems.

Step 3: Your personal master plan for a healthy life

The results of the risk analysis and early detection lead to the most important step in the Preventive medicineYour personal, concrete and practicable health plan. We do not leave you alone with the findings, but „translate“ them into practical recommendations for your everyday life. The focus is on the risk factors that you can influence most effectively yourself.

The most important risk factors that can be influenced

Risk factor	Why is it relevant?	How can you influence it positively?
Blood pressure	High blood pressure is the number one „silent killer“ and damages the heart, brain and kidneys.	Salt reduction, endurance sports, weight management, stress reduction, medication if necessary.
LDL cholesterol	The „bad“ cholesterol is the main driver of arteriosclerosis.	Mediterranean diet, reduction of saturated fats, regular exercise, medication if necessary.
Blood sugar	Elevated values indicate insulin resistance or diabetes and damage the blood vessels.	Reduction of sugar and simple carbohydrates, high-fiber diet, exercise.
Body weight & exercise	Being overweight and lack of exercise promote inflammation and put a strain on the entire metabolism.	Regular physical activity (endurance & strength), balanced calorie intake.
Stress	Chronic stress leads to hormonal changes that promote inflammation and high blood pressure.	Learn relaxation techniques (e.g. meditation), get enough sleep, take regular breaks.

Cardiovascular preventive medicine: our specialty for your heart

As a specialist cardiology practice, our focus is on Preventive medicine naturally focuses on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This is the most effective lever for a long, healthy life, as these diseases are still the most common cause of death in western industrialized nations. Our expertise in cardiology, sports medicine and lipidology enables us to offer you a preventive program at the highest professional level that is specifically tailored to the health of your heart and blood vessels.

Frequently asked questions about preventive medicine

Here we answer frequently asked questions about preventive care and health management.

Do I have to change my whole life for successful prevention?

No. Successful Preventive medicine does not mean that you have to become an ascetic overnight. It's about gradually establishing healthy habits that suit you and your life. Even small but consistent changes often have a big impact.

What can I do today to start prevention?

The simplest and most effective first step is often more movement in everyday life. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk short distances or cycle to work. Combine this with one conscious, plant-based meal a day. That's a perfect start.

Is preventive medicine only for older people?

Quite the opposite. The earlier you start Preventive medicine the more effective it is. When we are young, we lay the foundations for our health in old age. From the age of 35, regular monitoring of risk factors becomes particularly important.

How do I motivate myself to lead a healthy lifestyle in the long term?

Set yourself realistic and specific goals. Look for activities that you enjoy. Knowing your own state of health is also an important motivator. The results of a check-up can be a strong motivation to become active and to see the positive changes „in black and white“ at your next check-up.

I have no risk factors in my family. Do I still need preventive care?

A lack of family history is a great advantage, but unfortunately not a guarantee. A large proportion of cardiovascular diseases can be traced back to an individual's lifestyle. The Preventive medicine helps you to maintain your low initial risk and not gamble it away through unhealthy habits.

What is the difference between a health insurance check-up and comprehensive preventive care?

The „Check-up 35“ offered by the statutory health insurance funds is an important basic early detection program.² However, a comprehensive preventive medical examination often goes beyond this by including, for example, a cardiovascular ultrasound, an exercise ECG and a more detailed laboratory analysis as standard in order to paint a much more precise picture of your state of health.

How do I deal with the results if something is found?

An abnormal finding during a screening examination is not a reason to panic, but valuable information.³ It gives you the chance to act. We discuss all the results with you in detail and draw up a clear plan with the next steps.

Is cancer screening also part of preventive medicine?

Yes, cancer prevention is a very important part of the Preventive medicine. However, as an internal medicine practice, we do not carry out all specific cancer screening examinations (e.g. gynecological or urological screening, colonoscopy) ourselves. However, we will advise you comprehensively on which examinations are recommended for you and refer you to the appropriate specialist colleagues.

Is „biohacking“ the same as preventive medicine?

„Biohacking“ is a modern term that often describes self-optimization using partly experimental methods.⁴ The scientific Preventive medicine However, it is based exclusively on evidence-based measures and methods that have been proven in large-scale studies and are recommended by medical associations.

Do you feel better after a check-up?

Physically, you usually don't feel any direct difference. But the psychological effect is often enormous: the certainty about your own state of health, the knowledge of your own risks and a clear plan of what you can do - all this reduces anxiety and restores a sense of control and security.

Become the manager of your own health

Preventive medicine is a partnership between you and your doctor with the common goal of maintaining your health and quality of life for many years to come. Take control and don't wait until discomfort forces you to do so. Make an appointment for a comprehensive preventive consultation and lay the foundations today for a healthy tomorrow.