The preventive health approach involves practicing advance care to prevent the development of illnesses. This involves constant monitoring of health conditions, with the aim of improving quality of life. It is multidisciplinary work, in which the individual and multidisciplinary team (doctors, nurses, nutritionists, physical educators, etc.) work in shared responsibility.
The concept of preventive health emerged from the social and political transformations that occurred mainly throughout the 20th century, which created an environment conducive to questioning the traditional model of medical care and highlighting the importance of preventive approaches aimed at tackling health issues on a large scale in society. .
What is preventive health for?
The main purpose of the preventive health approach is to promote well-being, prevent the manifestation of illnesses, mitigate their repercussions and possible complications, monitor the outcomes of particular therapies and provide a greater quality of life. For this to happen, the patient receives guidance on topics essential for the proper functioning of their body, such as: personal hygiene, diet, physical activity and other relevant behaviors. This change in behavior is capable of preventing numerous diseases and offers a better quality of life, in addition to improving the feeling of well-being. Due to all this, the concept of preventive health is being increasingly discussed in Brazil and around the world.
Brazil is still faced with notable challenges, which include the development of programs that effectively meet the demands and demographic characteristics of the population; substantial increase in resources allocated to preventive and complementary health, in addition to the decentralization of funds to ensure a fair and equitable distribution; and investment in education and information campaigns aimed at improving research and clinical support.
Compared to other countries, Brazil achieves favorable results in terms of preventive health measures. However, approximately 75% of the population depends exclusively on the Unified Health System (SUS), which creates an overload that compromises the quality of care and basic assistance. However, such challenges can be overcome through the advancement of innovation in healthcare. We have witnessed the creation of new technologies and methodologies for the prevention and accurate diagnosis of diseases.
Improving citizens’ quality of life results in a reduction in expenses related to emergency care, illness treatments and hospital overload, which makes it possible for medical professionals to focus greater care on the most critical cases.
What is the importance of preventive healthcare?
Prevent diseases:
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- Chronic diseases, encompassing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, account for approximately 70% of all global deaths, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Most of these diseases can be avoided through healthy choices in the population’s daily lives, improving quality of life and disease prevention.
Early diagnosis:
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- Through regular exams that make it possible to identify diseases and/or conditions at an early stage, allowing treatment to begin in advance.
Make an early diagnosis and offer more chances of treatment:
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- In order to avoid health complications or identify them in the early stages – which increases the prospects of successful treatment – it is essential to maintain regular medical appointments and follow the professional’s instructions regarding exams and therapies. If you have any doubts about health matters or if you experience symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
Have a better quality of life:
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- According to the World Health Organization’s definition, quality of life encompasses “an individual’s perception of their position in life, within the cultural context and value systems of their community, in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns”. By prioritizing a routine that puts preventive health at the forefront, we are promoting care for our quality of life and harmony in an integral way.
Ensure more longevity:
Now that we’ve talked about everything about preventive health, how does this all relate to an individual’s longevity?
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- In addition to the benefits already mentioned, preventive medicine makes it possible to increase life expectancy. By having periodic consultations and exams and adopting healthy habits, the patient avoids the onset of diseases and finds it easier to control them. This is without the need to use medications or invasive procedures, which contributes to prolonging your life.
What are the benefits of preventive healthcare?
The adoption of preventive medicine is becoming increasingly common both in healthcare institutions and in society in general. This is achieved through initiatives that aim to ensure the well-being of patients, due to the various benefits it provides. Below, we highlight these benefits.
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Benefits for the patient:
- The patient undergoes a comprehensive assessment that encompasses preventive techniques and strategies, leading to early interventions in the face of possible illnesses. Medical professionals perform a proactive analysis of the patient’s condition, acting in the present to mitigate risks that indicate the manifestation or progression of a specific illness in the future. In many cases, these initiatives are essential so that treatments do not require the use of medications or invasive procedures. Attitudes like these contribute to prolonging life.
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Benefit for companies:
The implementation of measures that promote disease prevention also brings considerable advantages to companies, as it reduces the number of employee absences due to sick leave. Furthermore, it contributes to improving the work environment, conveying to team members the message that the company values each individual. This positive approach helps attract and retain the most qualified talent in the job market.
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Benefits for the Government:
According to a study conducted by the Federal Council of Medicine, the average daily investment in health per individual in Brazil is R$3.83. In 2019 alone, expenditure per inhabitant reached the mark of R$1,398.53 in the country. Given this context, the adoption of preventive measures against diseases presents significant advantages for the government, especially in relation to public health.4.
How is preventative healthcare carried out?
Preventative health is based on healthy habits and actions that anticipate possible health complications. With that in mind, below are some tips on how to adopt health prevention into your routine:
- Do not smoke:Tobacco consumption is the world’s leading cause of preventable deaths. You can talk to your doctor to identify the most appropriate approach to quitting smoking. Furthermore, seeking guidance from a psychologist can also be beneficial along this path;
- Realize check-up doctor periodically:Regular medical appointments play a fundamental role in preventing diseases through information and the implementation of preventive measures. These measures include immunization, the adoption of a balanced diet, the provision of guidance on how to stop smoking, the promotion of consistent physical activity habits, as well as awareness of the importance of carrying out specific tests that can enable the early diagnosis of conditions. asymptomatic, potentially resulting in higher recovery rates.
- Eat healthy:To achieve a balanced menu, it is important to incorporate a diversity of fruits, vegetables and legumes, as well as rice, beans, cassava, potatoes, eggs, fish, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Furthermore, maintaining adequate water intake is essential. Moderation in the consumption of salt, sweets, sugar, fried foods, alcoholic beverages and processed foods is recommended.
- Do physical exercises:The sooner you promote and incorporate physical activity as a habit into your routine, the broader the benefits for your health become. These benefits include weight control, reducing the chances of developing certain types of cancer, preventing chronic illnesses such as diabetes (high blood sugar levels), hypertension and heart disease, as well as increasing vitality. and longevity.
- Keep your vaccination card up to date:Immunization stands out as one of the most essential preventive actions against diseases. Preventing a disease is considerably more effective and convenient than treating it, and that is precisely the role of vaccines. Immunization not only protects the individuals who receive it, but also contributes to collective well-being. The greater the number of protected people in a community, the less likely it is that anyone, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not, will be affected by contamination.
As noted, preventive health plays an essential role in society, since periodic monitoring of personal health and the adoption of healthy behaviors result in a notable reduction in the individual’s chances of facing illnesses and their ramifications, thus increasing their expectations and quality. of life.
The post Care for Life.
Source: cuidadospelavida.com.br
