Spectacular advances in therapeutic medicine have not diminished the need for prevention, and there is widespread acknowledgment that avoidance of disability and premature death often depends on prevention rather than cure. There is also recognition that family practice has a key role to play in this, because of the opportunities it provides for influencing the future well-being of large numbers of individuals. Since the first edition of this book was published, the scope for prevention has become more clearly defined, and the evidence for effectiveness better established. The second edition has therefore been completely rewritten. It assesses the evidence for prevention effectiveness in relation to the major causes of disability and premature death, describes what measures should be taken, and gives practical guidance on carrying them out. Although aimed primarily at family practitioners, this book will also be of value to medical students, public health professionals and policy makers.