Health care that focuses on disease prevention and maintaining good health such as annual physical examinations, mammograms, Pap smears, prostate and colorectal cancer screenings, and influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. This includes early diagnosis of disease, identification of individuals who are prone to certain illnesses, counseling, immunizations, regular exercise, avoidance of smoking, prudent diet, correction of congenital anomalies, and screening programs. Also called disease prevention and health management.
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This type of care is best exemplified by routine physical examinations and immunizations. The emphasis is on preventing illnesses before they occur.