Optimal health requires a two-pronged approach: prevention and treatment (AIHW, 2009) . On the one hand we can seek to reduce the likelihood of a disease or disorder occurring, or at least slow down its advancement. On the other hand we need to treat people as effectively as possible when they do become ill. Ideally, prevention or treatment programs and services should not only be effective, they should also be affordable to society and accessible, so that they reach the people who need them most.
Prevention encompasses health promotion activities that encourage healthy living and limit the initial onset of chronic diseases (CDC, 2009). Prevention also embraces early detection efforts, such as screening at-risk populations, as well as strategies
Prevention encompasses health promotion activities that encourage healthy living and limit the initial onset of chronic diseases (CDC, 2009). Prevention also embraces early detection efforts, such as screening at-risk populations, as well as strategies