The traditional health care system historically has focused on expensive cures for illness and disease rather than focusing on effective prevention. The result is a national health crisis, in which more than 1.7 million Americans die each year from chronic diseases, accounting for about 70 percent of all U.S. deaths. Five diseases cause the majority all U.S. deaths annually – heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (bronchitis, emphysema) and diabetes.

In addition, chronic illness accounts for nearly 80% of health care costs for consumers, employers and government payers.

The encouraging news is that, although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly of all health problems, they are also the most preventable. U.S. Preventive Medicine is committed to primary, secondary (early detection) and tertiary (care management) prevention of disease.

Primary Prevention

Primary prevention includes all the things individuals can do each day to prevent injury and the development disease.  Each person has the power to make choices that can positively (or negatively) impact their health. The Prevention Plan™ offers information, health coaching, tools and education to help you make the right choices.

Below are a few examples of primary prevention:
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Consume a healthy diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Stay active and exercise regularly
  • Don’t smoke
  • Drink alcohol in moderation
  • Avoid direct sun and use sunscreen
  • Wear your seat belt
Secondary Prevention

Secondary prevention and early disease detection provides essential knowledge you and your physician need to address your health risks in the earliest stages when treatment may be more effective.

Regular screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes and obesity can have dramatic results in preventing the development of disease.
 
Likewise diagnostics such as CT scans of the heart or lungs, carotid ultrasounds and other high tech, non-invasive tests are simple, painless and affordable and will provide you with the knowledge you need to improve the quality and longevity of your life and to enjoy More Good Years™ These tests may be performed at one of our Prevention Network affiliates

Tertiary Prevention

Once a condition has been identified, it is important follow your doctor’s care plan and make behavior modifications that can improve your condition and prevent other conditions from developing. 
 
Our Care Management program includes compassionate nurse care managers who work with individuals, their providers and community resources to ensure members are getting the best care possible.
With the proper medical care, support and lifestyle changes, individuals can slow, and in many cases reverse, the progression of a disease.
 
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