According to PreventDisease.com, preventable illness makes up approximately 80% of all disease, and it’s the main cause for eight out of nine deaths.
Chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease also account for over 80% of healthcare spending in the U.S. Imagine if just going to the doctor could cut down on the majority of all of our healthcare costs…
Based on these statistics and for your health overall, it’s far better to prevent a chronic illness than it is to treat a disease once it begins to present symptoms. The best way to do this is by taking the necessary precautions to stay healthy, especially between the ages of 30 and 49 when preventative care has been shown to be the most effective.
This spring try taking a few of these simple steps to improve your health:
Stock up on sun block
Each year, skin cancer accounts for more cases of cancer than breast, colon, prostate and lung cancer combined. SkinCancer.org reports that out of the 3.3million skin cancer cases physicians will treat this year, over 90% are caused by exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
Before you step outside, use sunblock. The American Skin Association suggests using a sunblock with an SPF of 15 or higher and also advises that it’s best to avoid direct sun exposure between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
Move your body more
How much exercise should you really get each day? While the jury is still out, a general guideline from the Department of Health and Human Services suggests that 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity is ideal.
If you prefer to run sprints, they advise 75 minutes of vigorous aerobics. This spring, do your best to get your body moving – try raking the grass, gardening, or simply taking a walk. It will all do wonders for your wellness.
Open your windows
Do you remember visiting your grandma during a hot summer day? Chances are she had every window sealed up tight, with the shades drawn. This is still the number one way to naturally keep your home cool. However, there’s a reason everyone at the office gets sick at the same time.
Germs in a recycled air environment don’t just disappear. Opening your windows exchanges the air in your home, helping to rid away germs. Learn from the old days and don’t keep those windows closed all summer long.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Natural Society reports that 80% of processed foods in the U.S. are banned in most other countries. Consider tweaking your diet by simply adding more fruits and vegetables to your daily regimen. You know the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
Be healthy by staying healthy
The Center for Disease control reports that those with a family history of certain diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, are more prone to develop the same illnesses. The best way to be healthy is to make sure that you stay healthy.
Make sure you schedule your physical every year and ask your physician to also discuss your family history. Remember that even if a test your doctor suggests isn’t covered by health insurance, you have other options available to lower the cost of your medical bills.
