I m excited I m excited. Once in a great while, someone introduces new words and concepts that have the potential of bridging gaps between minds. The National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine has treated us to one of those moments. The new vocabulary identifies three types of prevention.
Universal prevention is directed at the general population.
Selective prevention is directed at people who are selected because they have increased risk for developing a problem, though no problem has yet occurred. An example would be children of alcoholics. Indicated prevention is for people who have some sign or symptom of an impending problem, though not yet to a level that requires treatment. Examples of this category vary with the prevention philosophy being used. Since the early 80s, many federal and state government agencies have promoted zero tolerance prevention theory.