Along with the development of new technologies and methods of patient care, modern medicine is characterized by progress in the field of prevention. The interest in this problem is connected with the fact that there was an awareness of the individual’s health as one of society’s values. It plays a significant role in maintaining human health. Disease prevention involves people in medical examinations or services to avoid the onset of illness. It helps to extend life spans and reduce morbidity and premature mortality. Moreover, knowing the basic techniques and rules of disease prevention is fundamental to everyone’s health, given the coronavirus situation and the real issue.
Disease prevention is one of the most significant aspects of modern healthcare. People from birth are susceptible to various diseases that can affect life expectancy and quality and even cause more serious negative consequences. Some of these outcomes are high mortality, increased risk of having children with various disabilities, and making a sick person dangerous to others. This factor can cause pandemics and epidemiologically dangerous conditions (Feinberg 1323). In many cases, preventive measures can prevent the development of diseases or make their prognosis more favorable.
Some people in life are confronted with the concept of disease prevention. Most research emphasizes that it is more effective and less costly than treatment (Collett et al. 2). However, before understanding its essence, it is necessary to recognize the risk factors which negatively affect health and contribute to the emergence and development of disease. There are basic ones common to various conditions: poor lifestyle, environmental pollution, physical inactivity, excessive body weight, unbalanced diet, and psycho-emotional stress (Grosso et al. 1). To control the impact of these factors on health and there is disease prevention.
Disease prevention is a complex of medical and non-medical measures. Its main tasks are:
- Prevention of the appearance of various pathological conditions.
- Reduction of the effects of various risk factors.
- Reducing the risk of complications arising as a result of certain diseases.
- Reduction of the rate of development of diseases.
- Prevention of chronization of pathological processes and the development of secondary diseases.
- Reduction of the negative consequences of diseases.
- General health promotion.
At present, distinguish between primary and secondary prevention: direct is to stop the emergence of disease, and secondary is to block the existing condition’s progression. Primary and secondary prevention measures are medical, hygienic, and social activities. Prophylactic activities include well-being counseling, vaccinations, pregnancy and newborn monitoring, and medical examinations.
Primary prevention consists of an introductory, individual and sometimes medicinal nature. It includes measures aimed at preventing the disease and the formation of a sense of responsibility for the health of a person and others. Such steps include individual preventive talks, seminars, and social programs. Often, they are conducted by special teachers or medical professionals. The promotion of a healthy lifestyle also applies to primary prevention.
Prevention should begin even before the first signs of health deterioration, without waiting for the specialized recommendations of the doctor. General disease control may include:
- Observance of the rules of personal hygiene. It is presented as the basis for the prevention of all diseases dangerous to humans. Keeping the body, household items and clothing clean protect pathogens and reduce their spread.
- Avoiding smoking and drinking strong alcoholic beverages. While smoking, a person inhales carcinogens and radioactive isotopes that disrupt the work of internal organs and alcohol destroys and paralyzes brain cells.
- Increasing physical activity in general.
- Keeping home free of dust and airing the apartment regularly.
- A balanced nutritious diet. A good and balanced diet will give the body the necessary nutrients, help it function normally and store and store energy.
- Use clothing that is appropriate for the weather.
- Observance of work and rest modes. Incorrect time allocation negatively affects the physical and psychological state.
- Contact a specialist promptly to address psychological problems.
In addition to individual disease prevention, recreational activities can be carried out by the government, regions, and municipalities. Madjar et al. emphasize that “the health system demands activism among all health professionals to legislate for an inclusive, holistic orientation” (490). Proper and holistic disease prevention makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of diseases and the occurrence of epidemiological situations. Moreover, mortality is decreasing and the life expectancy of the population is increasing. Disease prevention is not just medical measures prescribed by a doctor. In addition, it includes hygiene, a healthy lifestyle, and compliance with the rules during epidemics that prevent the development of diseases. Some of them are provided by the employer or the system of medical and preventive institutions.
Disease prevention is one of the most critical tasks of modern health care, and it is laid down in many state programs. Everyone should take care of their well-being because only by combining the efforts of doctors and the public can the probability of illnesses be reduced and, if detected, successfully cured. It is essential to understand that preventing a disease is much easier than treating it.
Works Cited
Collett, Stephen R., et al. “Principles of Disease Prevention, Diagnosis, and Control.” Diseases of poultry, 2020, pp. 1-78. Web.
Feinberg, Andrew P. “The Key Role of Epigenetics in Human Disease Prevention and Mitigation.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 378, no.14, 2018, pp. 1323-1334. Web.
Grosso, Giuseppe, et al. “Health Risk Factors Associated with Meat, Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Cohort Studies: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis.” PloS One, vol. 12, no. 8, 2017. Web.
Madjar, B., S. Shachaf, and C. Zlotnick. “Changing the Current Health System’s Vision for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.” International Nursing Review, vol. 66, no. 4, 2019, pp. 490-497. Web.