Which of the following best defines primary prevention?

Primary prevention focuses on implementing measures that aim to prevent diseases before they occur, effectively promoting overall health and well-being in the population. This includes a wide range of strategies such as vaccinations, health education, and lifestyle modifications designed to mitigate risk factors associated with diseases.

For instance, education about healthy eating and regular exercise can help prevent obesity and its related conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Vaccination programs significantly reduce the incidence of infectious diseases among populations. These proactive measures are essential in reducing the burden of disease and healthcare costs, thereby enhancing the quality of life.

In contrast, using medication to treat existing conditions, actively managing chronic diseases, and surgical interventions pertain to secondary or tertiary prevention. These approaches focus on managing or treating diseases that have already developed, rather than preventing them from occurring in the first place.