The term disease is used to describe a condition that keeps any part of the body from functioning properly, and that is not simply a direct result of physical injury. To prevent something is to stop it from happening in the first place, or keeps it from getting worse if it has already started. Therefore, disease prevention includes any actions taken to avoid or slow down the course of a disease before it occurs or becomes very severe. For example, sexually active individuals can use condoms to help halt the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and just about everyone can reduce their risk of heart and lung diseases by being more physically active and avoiding tobacco.

Of the 10 leading causes of ...