As a physician, I know that many medical problems are not preventable; genetic disorders, many infections, accidents and a variety of cancers fall into this category. And I also realize that modern medications and procedures have significantly improved the quality and longevity of our lives; vaccines, antibiotics, insulin and sterile surgical techniques are just a few examples.
But many of the maladies that afflict humans are partly or totally preventable. Furthermore, the treatment of these "lifestyle diseases" levies a heavy toll on our society. Inactivity, poor dietary habits, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse and other risky behavior are at the root of many of our most common and most costly medical problems. Too often, humans indulge in these behaviors, believing that medications and/or surgical procedures will bail them out down the line. As a result, many of them end up with a history of multiple operations and a long list of daily medications (some of which are prescribed to manage side effects of other therapies).
A healthy, well balanced diet, regular, aerobic exercise, avoidance of toxic substances, attention to safety practices and efforts to minimize stress will allow most of us to enjoy a long life with the minimal use of medications. The pharmaceutical industry, as evidenced by their relentless commercials, would like for us to think that there is a pill for every problem; while that may be true, there are better, more natural ways to maintain our health.
