While you may think that modern medicine is the same thing as preventive medicine, they are often very different medical approaches. Modern medicine generally focuses on curing or treating a health problem, while preventive medicine focuses on preventing health problems from developing in the first place.
Doctors who practice what is considered modern medicine often treat the symptoms of an illness, thereby providing temporary relief for the patient. The trend is now geared toward preventive medicine in order to avert illness altogether.
Modern Medicine and Treating the Disease
The focus of modern medicine remains palliation, which means making the patient comfortable while dealing with a health hazard. Treating the symptoms, rather than preventing it from occurring outright, is only a temporary measure – so the health issue can easily come back.
For example, if a person is experiencing pain, then pain medication may be prescribed to dull or lessen the pain. However, the pain may be an indicator of an underlying condition that should be treated with more assertive and preventive measures, possibly including therapy.
Preventive Medicine and Avoiding Disease
A good example of preventive medicine is the polio vaccine, which was discovered by Jonas Salk. Many thousands of children and adults were stricken by polio – and until the vaccine was developed, the only treatment the victims received was palliative care in order to try to manage the symptoms.
The vaccine was a way to avoid infection by polio altogether, and vaccines are still the best way to prevent outbreaks. Misinformation about vaccines is being spread throughout the country and around the world, so there are suddenly epidemics of illnesses that were previously eradicated in first-world countries – such as measles. The illnesses are returning because some parents are afraid to have their children vaccinated.
How Can I Avoid Getting Sick?
While not all illness is preventable, there are several lifestyle choices you can make in order to lessen the odds of contracting illnesses. Making good choices that positively benefit your body include:
- Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Drinking plenty of water
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol
- Not smoking
- Getting enough sleep every night
- Avoiding stress as much as possible
- Taking breaks throughout the day
- Maintaining a health chart
For ideal health benefits, it is best to follow holistic medical approaches. These include integrative medicine, functional medicine, nutritional therapy, regenerative medicine, and holistic pain relief.
Holistic Health Care in Minnesota and South Carolina
Embracing preventive medicine can add years of quality living to your life. Medical professionals who specialize in holistic and preventive medicine can help you achieve a healthy lifestyle.
This is the type of care we provide at Between the Bridges Healing Center. We have convenient – and private – centers located across Minnesota including Minneapolis, Mankato, Eau Claire, Rochester, Saint Cloud, Saint Peter, and New Ulm. We also have a satellite office in South Carolina.
Call our team today at (507) 388-7488 or request an appointment online. Let us help you embrace a better, healthier tomorrow and for years to come!
