How To Prevent Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Attacks and Strokes

by Dr. Patrick Nemechek, D.O. on February 8, 2010

In a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers identified 4 factors tied to reduced disease risk: never smoking, having a body mass index (BMI) lower than 30, performing at least 3.5 hours per week of physical activity, and following a healthy diet.

Participants with all 4 factors had a 78% lower risk of developing a chronic disease (diabetes,  myocardial infarction, stroke and cancer, 36%) than participants without a healthy factor.

The study showed that having all four factors prevented 75% of diabetes cases, 45% of myocardial infarction, 18% of stroke, and 19% of cancer cases.

Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) lower than 30 exerted the largest reduction in risk followed by never smoking, physical activity, and following a healthy diet. BMI was a particularly strong protective factor for incident diabetes.

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How To Save Some Money When Visiting Your Doctor

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One of the few things patients can do is to ask their physician if there is a cheaper version of the medication they are prescribing you.  If you take a once-a-day medication, there is often cheaper twice-a-day version that is just as effective.
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