Understanding The 3 types of preventive health measures

You are probably already aware of the importance of preventive healthcare. Did you know, however, that not all preventive health measures are created equal? In fact, there are primary, secondary, and tertiary preventive health measures. 

Primary preventive health measures consist of traditional health promotion, such as health education and the advocacy of healthy lifestyle choices through dietary choices, exercise, and so on. Primary prevention promotes overall health and well-being and focuses on immunisations. 

Secondary preventive health measures deal with asymptomatic and latent diseases, with the goal of early detection and prompt treatment. Secondary prevention can greatly reduce potential disability and impairment, thus preventing the development of further health problems. Early treatment at this stage is imperative.

Finally, tertiary prevention is targeted at reducing the effects of a disease that is already present in an individual. This can mean a chronic injury, a serious illness, or any other life-threatening/impairment-causing conditions. Tertiary preventive health measures commonly include rehabilitation efforts, and, if necessary, grief counselling.

As long as proper preventive health measures are taken, living a quality life is still always achievable for all.