There are three levels of prevention: primary level, secondary level, and tertiary level.
The higher the level, the higher the gravity of condition that you have to apply each prevention level.
But in this article, I would like to focus mostly on the primary level prevention because this is the most important among the three.
The three of them are actually important nut the first one has the greatest impact.
For the benefit of knowing the secondary and tertiary level prevention, I will also briefly discuss them through examples.
To have a better view of the difference among the three, primary level prevention is applicable for healthy people those who do not manifest any signs and symptoms of having a disease.
On the other hand, the secondary level and tertiary level prevention are applicable for those who are experiencing any signs and symptoms of a disease or actually having the disease.
Like for example, you had an annual physical examination as required every year by the company you are working at.
In your blood test, the doctor found out from your result that your cholesterol level is elevated.
High levels of cholesterol in known to be the number one cause of heart disease.
To prevent the development of deadly heart disease, your doctor will give you some drug prescriptions to lower your cholesterol and will advice you to have exercise and watch out your diet.
Thus, this level of prevention is the secondary level of prevention.
However, if you told your doctor you are experiencing intermittent chest pains coupled with the high level of cholesterol and high blood pressure, your doctor might doubt you having a heart disease.
He might require you further examinations like electrocardiogram (ECG) or ultrasonography to be certain with your diagnosis.
Nevertheless, if a heart problem was found out, your doctor's goal is to prevent the incidence of a heart attack that can eventually bring you to death.
This falls at the tertiary level of prevention.
Your doctor may still be requiring to take certain prescriptions and lifestyle modifications to avoid further complications.
I hope my simple illustration about the secondary and tertiary level of prevention is clear.
Now, for the primary level of prevention, as what I mentioned earlier, it is applicable for the people who are healthy and do not have any signs and symptoms of any disease.
You might be wondering why do they need some precautions when they are healthy.
Of course, to prevent having a disease.
So what are the prevention measures to primary level? First, have a healthy lifestyle.
Have a regular exercise at least 3-4 times a week for 20-30 minutes.
Be sure to organize your extra clothing, a bottle of water, and towel in your gym or sports bag so you'll not dehydrate your self of working out.
Next, be vigilant of your diet.
Avoid eating foods that are high in fats and sugar.
You may take some food supplements like multivitamins to boost your immune system.
For you not to miss a dose of your supplements, you can keep them on a small bag where you can club them all together and carry it everyday inside your purse.
Lastly, avoid vices.
Alcohol and nicotine are linked to cause many diseases like cancer and diabetes.
In conclusion, primary level prevention is just like the quotation that says "an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure".
Believe it or nor, that's true.
Therefore, start applying the primary level of prevention now before it's too late.