Medical researchers and doctors have long known that most of these chronic illnesses and diseases are avoidable, preventable and treatable.  But the key measures to preventing these illnesses include practicing a healthy lifestyle and the use of early detection practices.

Unfortunately in this fast paced society most people want to continue to enjoy the very lifestyle practices that eventually lead to their chronic diseases and death.  These practices include smoking, heavy drinking, recreational drugs, and reliance on prescription medications.  And they don’t want to practice the lifestyle choices that will help to prevent these diseases such as regular exercise, a balanced diet high in raw fruits and vegetables, increased amounts of water and lots of good rest.

Another factor in prevention and improved healthy aging for older adults are screening programs and early detection practices.  These programs help to find risk factors or chronic illnesses early so treatment can begin.  Early detection and treatment of breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, colorectal cancers and diabetes can improve the long-term outlook and potential cure of these conditions.

Unfortunately many of the changes which adults find difficult to change in their lives come quickly and a bit easier when the doctor issues an ultimatum or the adult has had a health scare.  Adults who have had a cardiac event are often much more amenable to changing their lifestyle habits after the event than before.

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