PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE
The key to a healthier and longer life.
INTRODUCTION
In today’s fast paced world, many people seek medical care only after when they become sick. while, Modern healthcare is shifting from treating diseases to preventing them before they actually occur. this approach, known as preventive healthcare, that primarily focuses on maintaining good health, reducing the risk of illnesses, and detecting diseases at an early stage when they are easier to manage.
The natural history of disease can be classified into 5 stages- underlying , susceptible , sub-clinical , clinical and recovery / disability / death. corresponding preventive health measures are categorised into similar stages, allowing for targeted interventions. these preventive measures include primary prevention, secondary prevention and tertiary prevention.
Together these strategies aim to prevent the onset of disease through risk reduction and to mitigate the downstream complications of disease or injury.
PRIMORDIAL PREVENTION
Primordial prevention aims to mitigate disease or harm before it reaches its point of impact by addressing the risk factors.
this focuses on creating healthy environments and encouraging healthy habits from an early age.
Examples
- Teaching children healthy eating habits
- Promoting regular physical activities
- Anti smoking and anti tobacco campaigns
- Creating parks and cycling tracks to encourage exercise
- Reducing air pollution
PRIMARY PREVENTION
Prevention of diseases before it occurs by reducing exposure to risk factors or increasing protection.
Examples:
- Vaccinations
- Eating a balanced diet
- Regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Using sunscreen
SECONDARY PREVENTION
Detect a disease early , before symptoms become severe and start treatment promptly.
Examples
- Blood sugars tests for diabetes
- Blood pressure screening
- Lipid profile
- Mammography for breast cancer
- Pap smear for cervical cancer
- Colon cancer screening
TERTIARY PREVENTION
Reduce the impact of an existing disease, prevent complications and improve quality of life
Examples
- Cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack
- Physiotherapy after a stroke
- Diabetes management to prevent kidney or eye damage dialysis management to prevent kidney or eye damage
- Dialysis for chronic kidney disease
- Rehabilitation after joint replacement surgery
A useful way to remember them is :
- Primordial : Prevent the risk factors.
- Primary : Prevent the disease from occurring.
- Secondary : Detect the disease early.
- Tertiary : Prevent the disability and complications after the disease has occurred.