<P> Scientific advancements in genetics have significantly contributed to the knowledge of hereditary diseases and have facilitated great progress in specific protective measures in individuals who are carriers of a disease gene or have an increased predisposition to a specific disease . Genetic testing has allowed physicians to make quicker and more accurate diagnoses and has allowed for tailored treatments or personalized medicine . Similarly, specific protective measures such as water purification, sewage treatment, and the development of personal hygienic routines (such as regular hand - washing) became mainstream upon the discovery of infectious disease agents such as bacteria . These discoveries have been instrumental in decreasing the rates of communicable diseases that are often spread in unsanitary conditions . </P> <P> Secondary prevention deals with latent diseases and attempts to prevent an asymptomatic disease from progressing to symptomatic disease . Certain diseases can be classified as primary or secondary . This depends on definitions of what constitutes a disease, though, in general, primary prevention addresses the root cause of a disease or injury whereas secondary prevention aims to detect and treat a disease early on . Secondary prevention consists of "early diagnosis and prompt treatment" to contain the disease and prevent its spread to other individuals, and "disability limitation" to prevent potential future complications and disabilities from the disease . For example, early diagnosis and prompt treatment for a syphilis patient would include a course of antibiotics to destroy the pathogen and screening and treatment of any infants born to syphilitic mothers . Disability limitation for syphilitic patients includes continued check - ups on the heart, cerebrospinal fluid, and central nervous system of patients to curb any damaging effects such as blindness or paralysis . </P> <P> Finally, tertiary prevention attempts to reduce the damage caused by symptomatic disease by focusing on mental, physical, and social rehabilitation . Unlike secondary prevention, which aims to prevent disability, the objective of tertiary prevention is to maximize the remaining capabilities and functions of an already disabled patient . Goals of tertiary prevention include: preventing pain and damage, halting progression and complications from disease, and restoring the health and functions of the individuals affected by disease . For syphilitic patients, rehabilitation includes measures to prevent complete disability from the disease, such as implementing work - place adjustments for the blind and paralyzed or providing counseling to restore normal daily functions to the greatest extent possible . </P> <P> The leading cause of death in the United States was tobacco . However, poor diet and lack of exercise may soon surpass tobacco as a leading cause of death . These behaviors are modifiable and public health and prevention efforts could make a difference to reduce these deaths . </P>

Restoration of effective function is the goal of which level of prevention