Healthcare providers across Utah are urging patients to prioritize preventive care and regular screenings to detect chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes before symptoms become severe. Medical professionals at Castleview Hospital and Intermountain Health emphasize that consistent monitoring through annual wellness visits, blood work, and specialized scans remains the most effective way to manage long and healthy lives.
Pediatric Care and Development
At Castleview Hospital in Price, pediatric care teams focus on long-term health for children and adolescents through regular well visits. According to the hospital, these appointments allow doctors to monitor growth and development while acting as advocates for both children and parents. The pediatric team, which includes board-certified physicians such as Travis Criddle, DO, and Edward "Ted" Madsen, MD, uses these visits to perform complete physical exams and discuss behavior and safety.
Adult Preventive Medicine and Testing
Preventive medicine extends into adulthood through routine blood work and annual physicals. As Castleview Hospital noted in December 2025, annual blood tests serve as a cornerstone of healthcare by evaluating organ function and monitoring risk factors that may not yet show symptoms. Key tests often included in these panels are Complete Blood Counts (CBC) to evaluate blood cells, lipid panels for cholesterol, and glucose or A1C testing to screen for prediabetes and diabetes. Other critical assessments include kidney function tests and liver enzyme checks to identify inflammation or metabolic concerns.
Navigating Levels of Medical Care
Intermountain Health provides a framework for navigating different levels of care based on the urgency of medical needs. For non-emergency conditions, primary care providers serve as the first line of defense, managing everything from vaccines and routine screenings to chronic conditions like anxiety and depression. For more immediate but non-life-threatening issues, facilities such as Intermountain's InstaCare or KidsCare in Utah offer walk-in services for ailments like ear infections, minor lacerations, or sports injuries without the need for an appointment.
Emergency Services and Crisis Support
In emergency situations, medical providers emphasize that every minute counts. Intermountain Health's Sevier Valley Hospital in Richfield and Park City Hospital both offer 2 hours/7 emergency services, with Sevier Valley aiming to see patients within 30 minutes of arrival. Emergency departments are designed for critical crises, including chest pain, severe trauma, difficulty breathing, or heavy bleeding. For mental health crises, Intermountain provides the Behavioral Health Navigation Line at 833-442-2211.
Vital Cancer Screening Strategies
Cancer screening remains a vital component of preventive health strategies. In November 2024, radiologist Dr. J. Daniel Rasband highlighted the importance of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals aged 50 to 77 with a significant smoking history. While many associate breast cancer solely with finding a lump, Castleview Hospital reported in October 2025 that early signs can include skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape. The hospital noted that most women should begin regular mammogram screenings at age 4 and continue based on provider recommendations.
Health professionals also stress the importance of managing lifestyle-related risks. In January 2026, Castleview Hospital providers encouraged patients to adopt sustainable nutrition and physical activity habits rather than restrictive diets. They recommended strategies such as meal planning and reducing excess salt and sugar. Additionally, maintaining sleep hygiene—such as establishing a consistent bedtime—and managing stress are cited as essential for preventing long-term issues like high blood pressure and weakened immunity.
Ongoing medical education continues to address specific health threats in the region. Castleview Hospital has provided resources on recognizing the warning signs of a stroke using the BE FAST method, as well as identifying early symptoms of colon cancer and heart attacks in women. Furthermore, St. George Regional Hospital has focused on community health topics ranging from newborn care and summer pregnancy safety to the importance of mammogram screening rates among Utah women.
