Preventive Medicine

 

In the United States (US), many of the most prevalent health conditions faced are preventable. For example, between 1999-2018, the prevalence of obesity increased from 30.5% to 42.4%. Being obese is a risk factor for developing the leading causes of death in the United States. The leading causes of death include diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers. Obesity is also associated with a reduced quality of life and poorer mental health outcomes. It is just one example of a health condition that is preventable. 

Two-thirds of all deaths in the US are collectively caused by cardiovascular disease (including stroke), cancer, and diabetes. It is recognized that increasing public health knowledge around the topics of tobacco use, poor diet, and insufficient physical activity could substantially reduce the human cost of these diseases. One way to tackle these preventable conditions and increase public health knowledge is through Preventive medicine. 

What is Preventive Medicine?

Preventive medicine is a medical specialty in its own right. It focuses on the health of both individuals and defined populations. The American Board of Medical Specialties describes the goal of preventive medicine as promoting and maintaining health and wellbeing and preventing disease, disability, and premature death.

The Preventive Medicine Online Course

The Preventive medicine online course covers topics such as:

 

  • Different types of cancer screenings
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Mental Health
  • Substance Abuse
  • Infectious diseases and sexual health
  • Other health screenings

All the topics covered in the preventive medicine online course help you understand the measures you can take to prevent specific health conditions from occurring. Understanding these aspects of Preventive medicine gives you the best chance at living a long and healthy life.

 Why is Preventive Medicine Important?

Preventive medicine is crucial. It's all about stopping or reversing the disease progression, identifying disease in its early stages, and in some cases, preventing disease altogether.

Preventive medicine recommendations are made by expert committees that review the pertinent evidence. This is an ever-evolving process, and these recommendations can change when there's new evidence.

When patients familiarize themselves with the science, they can make confident decisions with their doctor regarding clinical preventive services.

The Health Confidence Academy was designed to help patients accomplish this important task. Sign up today for your free preventive medicine online course.

Watch the Preventive Medicine Course!