Fundamentals of health care involve knowledge about how the body works, how to take care of the body, and how the health care system works. This section covers basic anatomy of the body, including genetics, which is the foundation of what makes each person unique and also help us understand why some diseases affect only certain people. Topics that cover taking care of the body include prevention, exercise and fitness, and rehabilitation. By reading the topics within Making the Most of Health Care and those within Legal and Ethical Issues, consumers of health care will be more informed and more equipped to negotiate the often overly complex health care system. Death and dying is inevitable, and understanding what happens during the dying process can often lead to a more comfortable experience for the dying person as well as the dying person’s loved ones.
Fundamentals
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The Human Body
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Death and Dying
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Exercise and Fitness
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Financial Issues in Health Care
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Genetics
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Legal and Ethical Issues
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Making the Most of Health Care
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Prevention
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Rehabilitation
Fundamentals Sections (A-Z)
Death and Dying
Exercise and Fitness
Financial Issues in Health Care
Genetics
Legal and Ethical Issues
Making the Most of Health Care
Prevention
Traditional medical care focuses on improving health by identifying and treating health problems that have already produced symptoms or complications. In contrast, preventive medical care focuses on preventing health problems from occurring. Preventive care also focuses on diagnosing problems before symptoms or complications arise, when the chances of recovery are greatest. When done well, prevention improves overall health and reduces health care costs.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation services are needed by people who have lost the ability to function normally, often because of an injury, a stroke, an infection, a tumor, surgery, or a progressive disorder (such as arthritis).
The Human Body
Also of Interest
Test your knowledge
The mind and body interact in powerful ways that affect a person's health. Which of the following body systems can be dramatically affected by anxiety, depression, and fear?