Introduction

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.

Pessimists might see an effort to prevent health problems in older people as an attempt to "close the barn door after the horse is already out." These pessimists think preventive measures are pointless once a person has reached old age. Although beginning at an early age is best, it is probably never too late to start on the road to prevention.

Choosing and establishing a relationship with a primary care doctor is an important step toward preventive medical care. A primary care doctor can provide much of the preventive medical care a person might need and, when necessary, make referrals and coordinate care with other health care practitioners.