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Traditional medical care focuses on improving health by identifying and treating health problems that have already produced symptoms or complications. In contrast, preventive medical care focuses on preventing health problems from occurring. Preventive care also focuses on diagnosing problems before symptoms or complications arise, when the chances of recovery are greatest. When done well, prevention improves overall health and reduces health care costs.

The general goal of prevention is to reduce a person's likelihood of becoming ill or disabled or of dying prematurely. Preventive medical care is not a case of “one size fits all”; specific goals are developed by and for each person. Specific goals depend heavily on a person's risk profile, that is, the person's risk of developing a disease based on such factors as age, sex, genetic background, lifestyle, and physical and social environment. Factors that increase risk are called risk factors.

Examples of Risk Factors for Health Problems Category Risk Factors Diet Eating an imbalanced, improper diet Genetic Family predisposition to specific disease, such as heart disease, colon cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, diabetes, mental health disorders, and substance abuse Mental health Stressful situations such as A new job Difficulty at work Death of a loved one Not getting sufficient sleep Getting married or divorced Physical activity Sedentary lifestyle (not getting enough exercise) Physical environment Failure to maintain a safe environment, which would include, the following: For all people: Failing to keep firearms locked; not using bicycle helmets and seat belts; not having working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the home; not having heating systems and fireplaces inspected and cleaned periodically For children: Not using child safety seats, bicycle helmets, flame-retardant sleepwear, window and chair guards; not assessing the home for leaded paint and removing if applicable; not safely storing drugs and toxic substances For older adults: Not protecting against falls Race and sex White men: Higher risk of heart attack Black men: Higher risk of high blood pressure Social environment Neighborhood violence Family violence High-risk sexual behavior (such as multiple partners or not using condoms) Difficulty getting along with others Substance use Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes Chewing tobacco Using illicit drugs Misusing alcohol or prescription drugs Vaccinations Not having received all recommended vaccinations Weight Weight that is above what is recommended for height and gender, particularly by 20% or more Work environment Working with potential toxins (for example, asbestos or ionizing radiation), machinery, power tools, farm equipment, and other possibly dangerous objects

Some risk factors are beyond a person's control, such as age, sex, and family history. Other risk factors, such as a person's lifestyle and physical and social environment, can be altered, potentially decreasing risk of developing disorders. In addition, risk can be reduced through good medical care.

Most of the medical care that infants (see Newborns and Infants: Preventive Health Care Visits), older children (see Preschool and School-Aged Children: Preventive Health Care Visits), and adolescents (see Adolescents: Preventive Health Care Visits) receive (specifically well-child care) is aimed at recognizing and preventing problems. For example, examination focuses on detecting early signs of developing problems. Most vaccinations are given during childhood. Health care practitioners counsel parents about preventing accidents and injuries for children and adolescents.

Last full review/revision September 2007 by James T. Pacala, MD