The purpose of Preventive Medicine is not only the early detection of diseases in their first stages, but also the detection of risk factors, which may cause many diseases.  Preventive Medicine has come out along the lines of Medicine, both of which were developed together gradually.

Interest in cleanliness was a form of practice, which aimed to maintain public health and protection from diseases.  This was followed by the rise and development of the idea of isolating communicative and infectious diseases.

Started in the Modern Ages is the development of various vaccines for protection from many diseases such as cholera, poliomyelitis and many other viral and bacterial diseases.  The vaccines are increasing year after year, awaiting the emergence of a vaccine for the Acquired Immune Deficiency Disease, “AIDS”.

There is no doubt that the development of medical technology and the use of Computer in Laboratory and radiology examinations has greatly helped in increasing the accuracy of medical tests and early detection of many diseases.

In order to clarify the role of Preventive Medicine nowadays and in many medical specialties, I will hereunder discuss the benefit of this medicine.

Preventive Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases:

 It has been steadily known that risk factors increase the chances of occurrence of ischemic heart diseases.  While some of these factors can not be changed, such as gender and hereditary factors, some of them can be proven effective in achieving an absolute prevention.

Reducing weight in obese individuals and the diagnosis and treatment of silent diseases such as diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol assist in decreasing the risks of thrombosis, heart failure and stroke.

Treatment of these diseases and cases has an assured positive effect on health, and is available by virtue of organized diets, exercising and eating foods recommended by physicians.  Individuals with some risk factors are advised to visit the physician for examination, medical analysis and to

conduct stress ECG.  The purpose is to seek early detection of arteriosclerosis and ischemic heart disease.

Preventive Medicine and Gynecological Diseases:

Gynecological diseases are among the most health problems that can be avoided before progression.  Periodic mammography particularly for patients with a positive family history after the age of thirty is important.  Examination of the cervix helps effectively in the early detection and treatment of cancer in its first stages.  Bone density measurement after the age of thirty helps also in the treatment of osteoporosis and  prevention of its progression in women.

Preventive Medicine and Smoking:

There is no doubt that smoking is the main cause of diseases and is certainly associated with arteriosclerosis, breast and lung cancer as well as the urinary system “bladder” cancer.

It is quite sure that the quitting smoking and the radiological examinations of the lung in smokers, especially CT Scanning after the age of fifty have a positive effect in reducing occurrence of such diseases.

In addition, the annual examination of the urinary system, urine analysis, and periodic examination of prostate cancer markers after the age of 45 years assist in the early detection of urinary tract system tumors and other diseases.

Preventive Medicine and Gastrointestinal Diseases:

The number of gastrointestinal diseases especially ulcers and tumors increases with age, smoking and in the presence of hereditary factors.  Therefore, the annual analysis of occult blood in stool and gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures are very essential to detect tumors and other diseases in a manner that leads to successful and effective treatment.

The British Medical Association for Chest Diseases in 1996 issued a report, in which it assured that cigarette smoke contains more than 4600 chemical materials that have bad effects on health.  While some of these

are cancerous such as tar, some causes addiction especially nicotine, which can lead to addiction more than morphine.

The ancient Arabs said, “Protection is better than cure” as they recognized the above facts long time ago.

In keeping up with the scientific developments, Kingdom Hospital and Consulting Clinics have designed a special and detailed program for a periodic medical examination.  The purpose of this program is to detect accurately and appropriately a group of factors harmful to health.  This program has been proven effective throughout the years as it contributed to saving successfully the life of many patients with difficult health problems.