2-2 Discussion Primary, Secondary, tertiary prevention.docx...

Discussion: Select a health problem or condition and identify related primary, secondary, and
tertiary prevention strategies. Are there national or state-level prevention policies and legislation
currently in place that target the health problem or condition? When responding to your
classmates, provide suggestions to improve these prevention efforts.
Despite the increase in healthcare innovations, health disparities continue to be a
reflection of America’s health problems, especially among the poor and minorities. Even though
one of the greatest Public Health Achievements of the 20 th century is Cardiovascular Disease
Prevention, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) still remains a health problem and one of the leading
causes of death. In the United States, every 29 seconds, someone will suffer a coronary event;
and every 60 seconds someone will die from such an event (Center of Disease Control and
Prevention, 2008). The U.S has had a dramatic rise among the risks factors that lead to
cardiovascular disease, such as, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, etc. Prevention
can be divided into three stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Primary prevention represents the earliest possible interventions to combat the disease
before it begins through promotion and education. Secondary prevention falls into the category
of early detection and stopping the progression of the disease (i.e. cardiovascular symptoms,
damage, and acute coronary syndrome events) (Fahey & Schroeder, 2004). Health systems need
to be more accessible in order to influence individuals to see healthcare providers for preventive
services, like screenings and medications. Fahey & Schroeder (2004) explain that once
symptoms, damage, or events occur, it is often late for secondary prevention; therefore, the
alternative is to try to harness disease advancement with tertiary prevention. Tertiary prevention
encompasses decelerating the disease to inhibit recurring symptoms, further deterioration, and
subsequent events (Fahey & Schroeder, 2004). I see a popular avenue of tertiary prevention to be
a cardiac rehabilitation program. Now, I have a bit of bias, as I am currently employed at a local
rehabilitation hospital, where many of our patients are admitted into our cardiac and stroke
program and I have seen such great improvement.
The primary prevention strategy is the most important in my opinion. This is where the
focus should be. Providing more advocacy programs that incorporate health education and
promotions in our high-risk communities. Effective communication is pivotal- especially by
utilizing media outreach to promote culturally diverse interventions. Communities should
understand the risk factors at play and how their determinants of health can and will affect them.