A Healthy Lifestyle is the Best Medicine.

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes now account for 80% of deaths in the United States and 75% of health care costs.

In 2005, 44% of all Americans had at least 1 chronic condition and 13% had 3 or more. By 2020, an estimated 157 million US residents will have 1 chronic condition or more. Although an aging population has contributed to the increase in chronic conditions, children and young adults face a growing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and asthma. Between 1996 and 2005, the number of people aged 25 to 44 years with more than 1 chronic disease doubled.

These numbers are the result of the lifestyle decisions each of us makes on an individual basis. Instead of being victimized by our own poor choices and instead of waiting for someone else to come and solve our preventable health problem - after years of self neglect. Let's take charge of our own health. Let's eat healthy, let's exercise, and let's sleep enough hours and above all let's avoid alcohol problems, drugs of any kind - street drugs as well as pharmaceuticals, and let's lower our depression and anxieties by having healthy family oriented fun. Let's dance, sing, and get together with friends and our neighbors. Let's encourage each other to make healthy choices.

Our health care system needs to modify its practices to make prevention of chronic diseases a priority. But if we all wait until some one else teaches us how to NOT smoke, drink, and carry on with people with contagious diseases, how to NOT overeat we may have them come "help" us way too late.

Education is the best Medicine provides easy access to important information that may assist in leading healthier, more productive and ultimately happier lives. Learn more about George Y. Pearson our founder.

New Feature - Skin Cancer - check it out! While African American's don't get skin cancer at the same rate as white - it is more deadly when you do - unless it is caught early. Check your hands, soles of your feet, under you fingernails - read the article and watch the videos.

Nothing will work unless you do.
Maya Angelou