prevention

prevention

[-ven′shən]

Etymology: L, praevenire, to anticipate

(in nursing care) actions directed to preventing illness and promoting health to reduce the need for secondary or tertiary health care. Prevention includes such nursing actions as assessment, including disease risk; application of prescribed measures, such as immunization; health teaching; early diagnosis and treatment; and recognition of disability limitations and rehabilitation potential. In acute care nursing many interventions are simultaneously therapeutic and preventive.

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prevention,

n the management of those factors that could lead to disease so as to prevent the occurrence of the disease.

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prevention

in disease control terms includes measures designed to prevent the introduction of a disease into areas where it does not already exist, and improve the resistance of the population and reduce the chances of the infection spreading, when the disease already exists in the population.

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Patient discussion about prevention.

Q. Is there a way to prevent breast cancer? My mom died of breast cancer, and as I understand – It’s a very high risk factor. What can I change in my life style in order to prevent it?

A. There is a lot of debate about the role of Estrogen exposure. It clearly contributes to breast cancer risk, not as much if you don’t have family history.
So it might be wise to Avoid long-term hormone therapy. Avoid working night shifts- it changes your hormonal balance because of lighting (light is a big factor of hormonal changes during the day). and there are a lot of estrogen-like pesticides today, it’s suspected as one of the things that raised the amount of breast cancer in modern life.

Here is a nice site that might help:
http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/

Q. How to prevent burns from babies? I have a 4 month old baby and when I gave him a bath last night, he turned red because of the hot water. After the bath the color faded but now I am worried, can this burn him?

A. Don't worry, it isn't a burn, however you must be careful as babies are very sensitive. Here is a good website which has great tips for preventing burns in babies and kids:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/burns.html

Q. How can I prevent blood clots? I am 45 years old and am supposed to go on a business trip overseas. The flight itself is 12 hours long and then I have to continue traveling by bus. Could this cause me to have blood clots? If so, how can I prevent it?

A. Sitting or laying in one position for a long period of time can increase the risk of developing DVT- deep vein thrombosis. Here are some methods to prevent it:
Exercise your calf and foot muscles regularly:
Every half hour or so, bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes when you are seated.
Press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or foot-rest every so often. This helps to increase the blood flow in your legs
Take a walk up and down the aisle every hour or so, when the aircraft crew say it is safe to do so.
If you are allowed, get off the plane and walk about if the plane stops for refueling.
Consider buying a leg exerciser for the journey.
Drink plenty of water (to avoid dehydration).
Do not drink too much alcohol. (Alcohol can cause dehydration and immobility.)
Do not take sleeping tablets, which cause immobility.
Consider wearing compression stockings.
Some people at high risk may also be advised to take anticoagulant medication by their Dr.