Chronic diseases are a general term for a class of diseases with insidious onset, long course, prolonged and unresolved conditions, lack of clear evidence of infectious biological etiology, complex etiology, or incomplete confirmation of etiology.

Prevention of Chronic Diseases

(1) Primary Prevention. Also known as etiological prevention, it involves taking measures against pathogenic factors (or risk factors) before the disease occurs. It is the fundamental measure to prevent and eliminate diseases. The four cornerstones of human health proposed by WHO, "balanced diet, moderate exercise, no smoking, limited alcohol consumption, and mental balance," are the basic principles of primary prevention.

(2) Secondary Prevention. Also known as the "three early" prevention, which means early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment, is the measure taken to prevent or slow down the development of diseases. By conducting surveys, screening, regular health check-ups, and self-monitoring, diseases in the early stage (subclinical type) can be detected early and receive timely and appropriate treatment.

(3) Tertiary Prevention. Also known as clinical prevention, mainly involves symptomatic treatment and rehabilitation measures. It can prevent disability, promote functional recovery, improve quality of life, prolong lifespan, and reduce mortality. Symptomatic treatment can improve symptoms, reduce adverse reactions of diseases, prevent recurrence and metastasis, and prevent complications and disabilities. Rehabilitation treatment includes functional rehabilitation, psychological rehabilitation, social rehabilitation, and vocational rehabilitation.