Advances in therapeutic medicine have not diminished the need for prevention, and there is widespread acknowledgement that avoidance of disability and premature death often depends on prevention rather than cure. General practice has a key role to play in this, because of the opportunities it provides for influening the future well-being of large numbers of people. 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 been completely rewritten and includes chapters by a number of new authors experienced in the field of general practice. It assesses the evidence for the effectiveness of prevention 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 general practitioners, this book should also be useful to medical students, public health professionals and policymakers.