This book informs the reader of the major preventive health recommendations now practiced by the medical community. Prior to the middle of the last century medical care was primarily episodic. Patients did not see their doctor until they were acutely ill. Now, the advances in medical knowledge of disease processes and the availability of improved diagnostic techniques and treatments have focused medical practice on the prevention of disease. In other words, before the occurrence of a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer, there are detectable underlying disorders which, when discovered and treated early, can prevent life limiting disease. Four underlying disorders, namely, high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids, elevated blood sugar and overweight are major risk factors for the chronic diseases. Five chronic diseases, namely, coronary artery disease, cancer, lung disease, stroke and diabetes are responsible for 80% of deaths in the American population. This book presents a preventive care plan in seven steps designed to counter these risk factors and diseases, and extend both the length and quality of life. The seven steps are discussed as separate chapters: Exercise, Weight, Health Evaluation, Non-prescription Agents, A Medical Approach, A Surgical Approach and Preventive-Preventive Care. Doctors have learned that the chronic diseases associated with aging usually do not start in older age, but often are present by middle age and younger. Then, changes in lifestyle and early treatment to control the known risk factors and underlying disorders are most effective in extending both the length and quality of life. This book will provide pertinent medical information for the reader to embrace a golden challenge of preventive care to know and to fully enjoy the rewarding golden years ahead.
