What is an example of a primary prevention strategy in health promotion?

A primary prevention strategy is aimed at preventing diseases or health issues before they occur. Educational programs about healthy lifestyle choices fall into this category because they equip individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions that can prevent the onset of health problems. By promoting healthy behaviors—such as proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol—these programs can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions, leading to a healthier population overall.

In contrast, immediate medical treatment after an injury addresses health problems after they have occurred, which aligns more with secondary or tertiary prevention, rather than primary prevention. Developing treatment protocols for chronic illnesses focuses on management rather than prevention, and focused therapeutic interventions for at-risk populations are also more about responding to existing health concerns rather than preventing them from occurring in the first place.