About 60% of deaths in the US are caused by environmental and lifestyle issues that are largely preventable. A shift from disease-oriented to preventive health care is essential to improve wellness and health. Preventive healthcare offers early treatment for diseases, informs populations, and encourages healthy lifestyles ( Obama, 2016) . Due to the increasing number of people with chronic conditions and the rise of health care reforms, the role of nurses in disease prevention was amplified. The paper will evaluate the role of healthcare reforms in the shift from disease-oriented healthcare systems to preventative healthcare and the role of nurses in the healthcare reforms.
A major role of the healthcare reforms revolves around prevention of illness. Other than reducing the risk of chronic conditions in the country, preventive health measures will minimize the burden on vital sources while reducing healthcare costs. Also, they will ensure that most people are productive and active in the community. Preventable chronic conditions such as asthma, obesity, and high blood pressure may keep people out of work and reduce the country's productivity in terms of lost work days ( Singh, 2015) . Preventive health care is the best method of keeping seniors healthy as they advance in age, a period when they become more vulnerable to chronic conditions.
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One of the key roles of nurses in preventative healthcare is providing general education. Nurses can talk to patients regarding issues such as refraining from alcohol and drug abuse, exercise and nutrition, and the practice of safe sex ( Maurer & Smith, 2013) . Nurses can also identify at-risk patients and guide them regarding health and nutrition. Also, nurses may facilitate access to care. Patients may be unaware of the kinds of the services in their health plans and nurses should counsel those regarding issues such as immunizations, cancer screenings, and blood testing. Furthermore, nurses can educate the community by partnering with local organizations to have events focusing on public health.
References
Maurer, F. A., & Smith, C. M. (2013). Community/public health nursing practice: Health for families and populations : Elsevier Health Sciences.
Obama, B. (2016). The United States health care reform: progress to date and next steps. Jama , 316 (5), 525-532.
Singh, D. A. (2015). Essentials of the US health care system : Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
