Disease Prevention
Disease prevention aims at reducing the occurrence of illness – sort of like running away from something undesirable, or trying not to fall below zero on a virtual health scale. Its messaging is about “avoid diabetes, obesity and heart disease.” It is deficit-based and appeals to logic. Disease prevention is the solution, or the logical next step after we’ve experienced an emotional reaction to some bad news about our health status.
Health Promotion
Health promotion aims at building stronger health – sort of like running towards something desirable or trying to make progress above zero on our virtual health scale. Its messaging sounds like “increase your energy, improve your productivity, accomplish your goals and feel sexy doing it.” It is abundance-based and appeals to a positive base of emotions including hope, curiosity, interest, and aspirations for the future. Health promotion connects us to our best possible self, to our life’s purpose, to making a difference in the world.