What is an example of secondary disease prevention?

Secondary disease prevention focuses on early detection and prompt intervention to halt the progress of a disease at an early stage, ideally before symptoms manifest. Monitoring blood pressure following a new hypertension diagnosis exemplifies this concept, as it involves the regular assessment of a known condition to manage and prevent further complications, such as heart disease or stroke. By tracking blood pressure, healthcare providers can intervene early if the levels indicate a worsening of the condition, thereby reducing the risk of serious health outcomes.

Other examples listed, such as immunizing children, pertain to primary prevention, which aims to prevent the onset of disease in healthy individuals. Rehabilitating patients post-surgery falls under tertiary prevention, which focuses on managing and optimizing care for those already affected by disease to prevent complications or further deterioration. Providing dietary counseling for weight loss can also be viewed as primary prevention since it aims to prevent future health issues, such as obesity or diabetes, in individuals who may not yet be affected.