A Pound of Prevention:
Your Actions, Your Future
You can do more than any doctor to maintain your health and well-being.
The major health problems in this country are chronic, long-term illnesses in middle age and later, as well as, trauma at young age. These include heart disease, cancer, emphysema and liver cirrhosis and cause nearly 85% of all deaths. They also account for about 80% of all sicknesses in the US. About two-thirds of these cases of illnesses can be prevented. But by developing healthy habits, you can reduce the amount of illness you have in your life. And you will feel much better and have more energy.
The good news is that according to James F. Fries, MD and Donald Vickery, MD., as discussed in their book, “TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF “ there are only SEVEN keys to health:
Exercise
This is the most important single ingredient to health. It prevents obesity, it tones the muscles, strengthens the bones and makes the heart and lungs work better.
Diet and Nutrition
This is the second major factor for a healthier life. The Path to Health program hopes to encourage you to improve the quality of your nutrition.
Not Smoking
Cigarette smoking kills over 400,000 people in the US every year. And it’s never too late to quit. Many people who quit smoking enjoy major health benefits for the rest of their lives.
Alcohol Moderation
Alcohol can actually be good for you in moderation. But excessive alcohol intake is a serious problem for some in every age group. Drinking too much leads to depression, danger and disease.
Weight Control
Excessive body weight compounds many health problems. It stresses the heart, the muscles and the joints. It makes breathing more difficult. It slows you down and lowers your self-image. Overweight people are hospitalized more frequently, have more surgical complications, more cases of breast cancer, more high blood pressure and more heart attacks and strokes.
Avoiding injury
Each year more than 400,000 Americans are killed or maimed as a result of a preventable traumatic injury. We can avoid 90% of our risks by our own actions. Wear seatbelts and helmets; don’t drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or ride with someone who is; use common sense when around water; use smoke alarms and replace faulty electrical cords and appliances; check your home to minimize falls by removing clutter and providing adequate lighting; be careful around firearms, and be careful to protect yourself from crime.
Professional Prevention
See your doctor for prevention and screening of early problems, like blood pressure test, pap smears and mammograms. Work with your doctor to improve your health, but remember that the responsibility to stay healthy is yours.
Disclaimer
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The information on our website is intended solely for general educational purposes, and it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician (or doctor) or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making changes to your medication program, diet, or exercise regimen. Reliance on any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk. Anyone with medical problems of any nature should see and consult a doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. Even if you have no known health problems, it is advisable to consult your doctor(s) before making major changed in your lifestyle.
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