What is the name given to actions that stop injuries or illnesses before they begin?

The term "Primary Prevention" refers to strategies and actions taken to prevent injuries or illnesses from occurring in the first place. This type of prevention focuses on reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors before any disease or injury starts. Examples of primary prevention include vaccination programs to prevent infectious diseases, educational campaigns about healthy lifestyle choices to avoid chronic diseases, and safety measures designed to prevent accidents in various environments, such as the home or workplace.

In contrast, Secondary Prevention aims to detect and address potential health issues early on, often through screening practices. Tertiary Prevention involves managing and minimizing the impact of an already established illness or injury, focusing on rehabilitation and improving quality of life. Crisis Intervention refers to immediate, short-term responses to a situation that poses a threat to an individual's health or well-being, rather than preventive actions. Thus, recognizing the distinct focus of these other terms underscores why "Primary Prevention" is the correct answer in this context.