Chronic Diseases are often preventable

Interview with Greg Grant P. A. and Dr. Michelle Shute, MD

Did you know that chronic diseases—such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes—are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States even though they are mostly preventable. You can avoid having a chronic illness by simply adopting a healthy lifestyle! Yet, chronic diseases account for 70% of all deaths in the U.S., which is 1.7 million each year.

These diseases also cause major limitations in daily living for almost 1 out of 10 Americans or about 25 million people. Chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems.

They are among the most preventable. Adopting healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, being physically active, and avoiding drug and tobacco use can prevent or control the devastating effects of chronic diseases.

Did you know that two-thirds of Americans are overweight and of those one half are obese? If you think your weight is healthy only because most of the people you know look like they have about the same weight as do, you have a 2 out of 3 chance to be wrong. 2 out of 3 people are at unhealthy weight levels. Majority does not necessarily rule!

Two thirds of Americans are overweight and are putting their health at grave risk.

We are experiencing gluttony at epidemic proportions!

The CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion is at the forefront of the nation's efforts to prevent and control chronic diseases. Yet, they really can't do anything about what you do at home. Your health is really up to you. Your health is your own responsibility.

Only you can use the knowledge that is available to you. You can start eating healthy food instead of junk food, only you can stop from eating portions that are too large, you can start to exercise, and stop yourself from creating avoidable problems for yourself. You can choose to be healthy and prevent being sick. Or you can overeat and sit around all lazy and tired and do things that are simply bad for you and make you sick. It is your choice!

You have to realize that no survey and no physician can make you exercise and eat healthy. There is no one in the world that can follow you around all day. Each person has to choose whether they wish to be as healthy as possible. Prevention costs less and it feels better as well. Check out how you can learn to improve your health! Next