An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

A quote by Benjamin Franklin and a proverb that means it is better to try to keep a bad thing from happening than to fix it once it has happened.

We are getting older. Have you thought about how you want to age? Do you want a richly abundant life full of vitality, or are you going down a road of sickness and disease? We can do everything in our power NOW to lessen our chances of developing avoidable adverse health conditions.

The leading causes of death are chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, obesity, and stroke. However, you can prevent many of these illnesses by addressing their root cause and looking at your lifestyle and daily habits.

You see, I was very sick. I suffered from pain and started developing lifestyle diseases resulting from how I treated my body with unhealthy food and no physical activity. So that was the point I decided to do something about it. If I had known what I know now, I would not have gone that road, or would I have? Unfortunately, many of us face the consequences of our choices to make lifestyle changes that will make the difference between life and death or sickness and health.

Chronic diseases are responsible for 7 out of 10 deaths yearly, killing more than 1.7 million people. In addition, treatments strain our nation's healthcare costs, take a toll on families, and lessen our quality of life.

You/we have the power to prevent chronic disease by making positive diet and lifestyle changes that can help reduce these threats. It can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. I have learned that you may have a genetic disposition for some chronic diseases, but you don't have to develop them, and your kids and grandchildren don't have to either. However, your choices today will have lasting effects on your future.

Here are some easy things you can do NOW to help prevent lifestyle diseases:

1. Choosing a diet consisting of whole, unrefined plants and minimally processed foods. Eating more plant-based helps prevent heart disease and cancer risk.
2. Physical activity and movement help all your body's internal organs and mind. Most experts recommend that a consistent 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week will make a significant difference.
3. Good sleep is essential. Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. No matter how busy your life is, having a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on the weekends, helps.
4. Control stress. Chronic stress wrecks your immune system. Instead, try mindfulness, meditation, and gratitude to relieve stress to improve your physical and mental health.
5. Social connections, and loving people, keeps you emotionally and physically healthy. Although physical distancing is becoming a usual way of life, virtual relationships can be transformative.

You don't want to get sick if you can prevent it. Sickness affects your finances, time with your family, and the ability to do the things you love. Taking care of yourself NOW reduces the risk of diseases, disabilities, and death. Don't be like millions of people, including myself, and turn a blind eye. Take care of your health now before it's too late. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.