Prevention: A Healthy Tool that Works

Prevention works but we often don't recognize its value. We know that one of the factors driving up health-care costs is the treatment of preventable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. They are the leading causes of premature death in our nation and can be prevented or reduced through population-based preventive measures that encourage behaviors such as eating healthfully, physical activity and not smoking. When promoted within communities or other large groups, these measures are cost efficient and scientifically effective ways to improve health in our nation.

However, although we know it works, population-based prevention is not a central priority of our current health-care system. We don't pay prevention the same respect we do treatment options, even when the science suggests that prevention results in better outcomes. Therefore, the best way to ensure that prevention continues to be a part of our health system is to completely change our way of thinking. We need to emphasize preventing illness from occurring rather than treating it when it occurs. We need to build on the successes of the clinical preventive services which have saved countless lives and develop a holistic prevention strategy that helps people live healthy lives. Only with prevention as a strong foundation will we be able to reform our system into one with lower costs and better outcomes.

By Georges Benjamin  |  June 30, 2009; 2:58 PM ET  | Category:  Health Care Reform , Prevention
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