TITLE:
Advancing Preventive Care in Family Medicine: Best Practices for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
AUTHORS:
Ifeoluwa Claudius Daramola, John Charles Chidozie Ifemeje, Chinonso Gerald Udensi, Farah Mudhafar Fattah Algitagi, Frederick Kofi Ametepe, Princess Chinwe Nnorom, Onyinyechukwu Chimereogo Ezegwu, Arinze Ifunanya Phina, Deborah Shulamite Gandi Ametepe
KEYWORDS:
Preventive Care, Family Medicine, Chronic Disease, Health Promotion
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.12 No.7,
July
9,
2025
ABSTRACT: Preventive care in family medicine is a cornerstone of primary care practice, focused on reducing the incidence and burden of chronic diseases while promoting long-term health and well-being. By addressing risk factors, providing early detection, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, preventive care aims to improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and alleviate healthcare costs associated with chronic conditions. Effective preventive care models encompass a range of strategies, including evidence-based screening guidelines, immunizations, lifestyle counseling, and proactive management of chronic conditions. Screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and United States Preventive Services Task Force, prioritize early detection of diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Regular screenings enable healthcare providers to identify and address risk factors before they progress to advanced stages, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Health promotion strategies are integral to preventive care, emphasizing patient education, behavior modification, and community outreach. Primary care providers play a crucial role in delivering personalized, patient-centered care by tailoring interventions to individual needs and preferences. This approach fosters trust, improves adherence to preventive measures, and empowers patients to take charge of their health. The literature underscores the importance of proactive, continuous care in mitigating chronic disease risks. A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that leverages technology, such as telehealth and electronic health records, can further enhance preventive care delivery. By prioritizing prevention, family medicine can address the root causes of chronic diseases and ensure healthier populations. Preventive care in family medicine is essential for managing chronic diseases, reducing healthcare costs, and promoting long-term health. By adhering to evidence-based guidelines, fostering patient engagement, and leveraging technology, primary care providers can effectively address the growing burden of chronic conditions in Canada and the United State of America.