Get serious about prevention

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Great concept. One to live by. And we can thank Benjamin Franklin, who in 1736 had that pithy thought — about fire prevention. Yup, he followed that famous sentence with: “I would advise ‘em to take care how they suffer living Coals in a full Shovel ... unless in a Warmingpan shut.”

But since we are facing a fouralarm emergency when it comes to the onslaught of preventable chronic diseases, his advice is well worth listening to.

About half of American adults have one or more preventable chronic diseases, many of which are related to poor-quality eating patterns and physical inactivity.

Around 160 million Americans are overweight or obese. Obesity is associated with high blood pressure; unhealthy triglyceride and LDL and HDL cholesterol levels; Type 2 diabetes; coronary heart disease; stroke; gallbladder disease; osteoarthritis; sleep apnea; endometrial, breast, colon, kidney, gallbladder and liver cancer; clinical depression and anxiety; body pain and difficulty functioning. That roster remains mostly preventable.

First, look at your lifestyle choices. Get moderate physical activity, eat a healthy diet and stick to moderate alcohol consumption. We suggest you embrace three simple mantras. You are what you don’t eat You need to stop consuming added sugars and syrups, as well as red and processed meats. Move it and win it

Using your body for physical effort that is enjoyable and strengthening not only raises your spirit, it helps roll back your RealAge. The goal at any age and any level of fitness is to get going. Do unto others

Find out what’s going on in your hometown with city planning, water quality, education on nutrition, healthy school lunches and spaces for sports and recreation. Research shows that the immediate benefits of altruism are reduced stress, longevity and happiness.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare.com.