The February issue of U.S. News & World Report is devoted to Health & Wellness. A review of America's health shows that nearly half of Americans suffer from at least one chronic health condition such as heart disease or diabetes. 76% have low fruit and vegetable consumption; 72% have no regular vigorous exercise; 66% are overweight or obese; 37% have heart disease; 21% have high cholesterol; and 8% have diabetes.
The news regarding preventive care is also dismal. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, following recommended preventive care could prevent at least half of all deaths each year. Only a fraction of people who should get a particular preventive service do so. For example, less than half of adults age 50 or older have a colonoscopy or other screening for colorectal cancer; just over one third of adults age 50 or older get an annual flu shot. According to the Partnership for Prevention, if 90% of people in those two groups got just those two preventive services, 26,000 lives would be saved each year.
There are many things you can do to change these statistics. Increasing the amount of exercise you get, eating more fruits and vegetables, and getting recommended preventive services are a few action that can improve your health and extend your life.
