What approach does preventive care focus on?

Preventive care focuses on preventing diseases before they occur, which is integral to improving public health and reducing the overall burden of disease. This proactive approach encompasses a variety of practices aimed at identifying and mitigating risk factors, promoting healthy lifestyles, and encouraging regular screenings and vaccinations. By emphasizing prevention, healthcare systems can reduce the incidence of chronic diseases, lower healthcare costs associated with treatment, and enhance the quality of life for individuals. This method not only aims to keep individuals healthy but also serves to alleviate the potential strains on healthcare resources by reducing the number of patients needing acute care services. In this context, it contrasts sharply with approaches that emphasize treating existing health issues, which do not address underlying causes or risks.