How can the possibility of preventing disease, both in the near term and long term, be improved?

• A. By controlling risk factors before disease occurs
• B. By waiting until symptoms appear
• C. By relying on treatment after onset
• D. By avoiding preventive care

Answer: (A)

The focus is on reducing risk before disease develops. Modifying factors that you can change—like not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in check—lowers the chance of disease happening soon and also reduces the risk of chronic illness later on. Some benefits are felt quickly, such as improvements in circulation and heart rate within weeks of healthier habits, while others accumulate over years to prevent conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Waiting until symptoms appear means the disease process may already be underway, and treating after onset doesn’t prevent the initial occurrence. Skipping preventive care removes the chance to lower risk in the first place.