Healthcare providers across Utah are urging residents to prioritize preventive measures, including regular screenings and seasonal vaccinations, to combat rising risks from chronic diseases and respiratory viruses. From managing 'scanxiety' during breast cancer screenings to monitoring annual blood work, medical professionals emphasize that early detection remains a critical tool for long-term health.
Promoting long-term wellness habits
As part of a broader push for wellness, Castleview Hospital in Price highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy habits throughout 2026. In a January 19 announcement, providers emphasized that steady, realistic adjustments are more effective than temporary resolutions. Key recommendations included prioritizing annual wellness visits to track chronic conditions like high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol.
Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations
To support long-term physical health, clinicians suggested focusing on sustainable nutrition—such as reducing excess salt and added sugars—and maintaining regular physical activity through brisk walking or strength training. Additionally, the hospital noted that managing sleep hygiene and stress is vital, as chronic stress is linked to weakened immunity and fatigue.
Importance of routine laboratory testing
Routine laboratory testing remains a cornerstone of this preventive approach. According to information released by Castleview Hospital in December 2025, annual blood work allows providers to evaluate organ function and identify risks before symptoms appear. Specific tests such as Complete Blood Counts (CBC), lipid panels for cholesterol, and glucose or A1C testing for diabetes monitoring provide objective data for personalized care.
Tracking health for high-risk groups
Physicians noted that consistent tracking of these results year over year helps recognize gradual changes in metabolic or cardiovascular health. This is particularly important for high-risk groups, including adults over age 60, individuals with obesity, or those with a family history of heart disease and diabetes.
Support for cancer survivorship
For cancer patients, the transition from active treatment to survivorship requires specialized care. Intermountain Health reported in April 20::26 that many survivors experience a sense of loss when their frequent contact with medical teams decreases after treatment ends. To address this, the hospital's Cancer Survivorship Program focuses on long-term monitoring and emotional support.
Dr. Vicky Mathwig, a physician with Intermountain Health, noted that survivorship care is designed to manage the unique challenges faced by survivors, including the fear of recurrence and long-term side effects from therapies. For example, radiation to the chest can increase heart disease risks years later, while certain chemotherapies may impact bone density or blood sugar.
Managing anxiety during screenings
The emotional burden of cancer care often manifests as 'scanxiety'—the intense anxiety felt before, during, or after screenings. Intermountain Health addressed this phenomenon in October 2025, noting that the wait for results is often the most difficult period for patients. To manage this, experts suggest scheduling mammograms early in the day and utilizing calming rituals like slow breathing.
In terms of breast cancer specifically, Castleview Hospital noted in October 2025 that early symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked. While many look for lumps, other signs include skin dimpling (resembling an orange peel), nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape. Because not all early-stage cancers present with obvious symptoms, regular mammography remains essential for early detection.
Lung cancer screening is another critical area of focus, particularly for high-risk populations. Dr. J. Daniel Rasband of Castleview Hospital explained in November 2024 that while smoking remains the primary risk factor, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans can be lifesaving for heavy smokers or former smokers who quit within the last 15 years. The LDCT process is a quick, non-invasive 10-to-15-minute procedure using low-dose X-rays to create three-scale images of lung tissue.
Similarly, providers at Castleview Hospital highlighted the importance of monitoring for other cancers, such as colon cancer, which often develops slowly through polyps. In a March 2026 resource, the hospital emphasized that early detection makes colon cancer more treatable and even preventable.
As temperatures drop in Utah, healthcare providers are also preparing for the seasonal surge in respiratory viruses. In late 2025, Castleview Hospital issued guidance on distinguishing between the common cold, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. While symptoms like cough and fatigue overlap, clinicians noted that the flu often hits suddenly with high fever and chills, whereas RSV can lead to more severe breathing difficulties in infants or adults over 60.
In September 2025, the hospital also emphasized protecting children from these fall viruses. Because viruses thrive in dry, enclosed environments like schools and daycares, providers recommended frequent handwashing, improving indoor air quality with HEPA filters, and staying home when a child exhibits a fever to prevent household transmission.
From pediatric care at Castleview Hospital in Price to emergency services at Sevier Valley Hospital in Richfield, the regional medical network continues to emphasize a proactive approach to health. Whether through managing acute issues like strokes—which require 'BE FAST' recognition—or utilizing 24/7 emergency care at Intermountain Health locations, the focus remains on early intervention and comprehensive support for all stages of life.
