What is preventive medicine?

Here, in this article below, esteemed Cornwall-based GP, Dr Abigail Farrell, shares her expert insights in relation to preventive medicine, providing us with some examples of this type of medicine.

What is preventive medicine?

Preventive medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on preventing diseases before they occur. It is an important part of public health and has played a significant role in reducing the risk of disease, disability, and death. The principles of preventive medicine date back to the Greek physician Hippocrates, who classified causes of disease into those concerned with seasons, climates, and external conditions, and those more personal causes such as irregular food, exercise, and habits of the individual.

Preventive medicine has two main approaches: primary prevention and secondary prevention. Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of disease by reducing exposure to risk factors, while secondary prevention aims to detect and treat diseases early before they become severe.

What are some examples of preventive medicine?

There are several ways to practice preventive medicine. One of the most effective ways is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol.

Vaccinations are also an important part of preventive medicine. They help protect against infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and influenza. Another way to practice preventive medicine is to undergo regular health screenings. These screenings can help detect diseases early, when they are more treatable.

Examples of health screenings include mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colon cancer, and blood pressure checks for hypertension. Preventive medicine is also important in the workplace. Employers can promote preventive medicine by providing health education, offering wellness programmes, and creating a safe work environment. This can help reduce the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses.

If you are interested in finding out more information with regards to preventive medicine, make sure you book an appointment today with Dr Abigail Farrell. To do so, visit her Top Doctors profile.