What are preventive health services designed to do?

Preventive health services are primarily designed to promote health and prevent disease before it occurs. This includes a range of activities such as screenings, vaccinations, and educational programs that encourage healthy lifestyle choices. By focusing on the prevention of diseases, these services can help identify health risks early and implement strategies to mitigate them, significantly improving population health outcomes.

For instance, vaccinations prevent infectious diseases, while screenings for conditions like cancer can lead to early detection and more effective treatment. The goal is to reduce the overall incidence of disease, thereby enhancing the quality of life and reducing healthcare costs in the long run. Thus, the emphasis on disease prevention through preventive health services is crucial for maintaining public health.