Health Promotion And Disease Prevention

Health promotion and disease prevention is a critical issue in the United States. The U.S. is clearly improving on many of these issues as seen in the rising population of aging Americans, but there is much more to be done. There are many factors that we must understand in order for the U.S. to become a healthy nation.

There are three levels of prevention: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention (Williams & Torrens, 2008). Primary prevention involves preventing disease before it occurs. The regular flu shots and childhood immunizations are example of primary prevention. It would be ideal if all disease could be stopped at this level. Many diseases are on the verge of extinction because of primary prevention. The incidents of mumps are

A physician in private practice can offer a wealth of prevention advice, and they can be very influential with patients that are receptive. Heart disease may be the leading cause of death today, but lifestyle and personal actions still can be attributed to many deaths (Williams & Torrens, 2008). Because HMO’s (health maintenance organizations) require a primary care physician, a relationship between patient and doctor is established. This relationship can foster lifestyle changes that could prevent many diseases. Tobacco and drug use, unsafe sexual habits, and obesity can lead to many deaths. With a good doctor/patient relationship, it is possible to avoid or stop some of these harmful habits. Many HMO’s also require physicians to provide services like immunizations, regular mammograms, and blood work that contribute to the prevention of disease.

Today in 2017, there are new threats that Americans have to consider. Acts of terrorism like September 11, and new diseases like anthrax are threats to the health and safety of Americans. Not only these threats, but natural disasters like fires and tornados are a common occurrence in the U.S. Governments on all levels as well as private sectors have to work together to provide a healthy America against all threats in this

Prevention is to stop disease before it occurs or use preventative measures to slow the progression of the disease. Treatment of disease comes after the diagnosis and involves medicine, surgery, or therapy. Heart disease can be used as an example. Preventative measures for heart disease many times are things individuals can do without assistance from a physician. Some examples of prevention of heart disease are eating right, not smoking, getting adequate exercise, healthy weight, stress management, and regular screenings like cholesterol (Mayo, 2016). After a diagnosis of heart disease, treatment of the disease is necessary. There are many different treatments that vary from person to person. For some surgery like stents, open-heart surgery, or pacemaker surgery is necessary. Other individuals can be treated with medication. Among the many types of medication are ACE inhibitors, aspirin therapy, and Beta-blocker therapy (Heart,