Preventive Medicine Article

DR Stephen Dygert  – Afton Family Health Center

If you want to live to be an old person and have good quality of life, you basically need three things: good genes, good health habits and good luck.   

You cannot do much about your genes and you cannot do much about luck but you can develop several habits that will improve the quality and the quantity of your life.  Below are some tips for a healthier lifestyle.  

1. Do not smoke.  The leading cause of death in the United States is vascular disease.  Smoking is one of the three major risk factors, along with hypertension and high cholesterol, for vascular disease.  Cancer is the second leading cause of death.  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths.  Smoking causes 90% of all lung cancers and 1/3 of all cancer deaths.  If you smoke and you are lucky enough not to get cancer or heart disease, you frequently end up with severe emphysema and die an agonizing death with chronic shortness of breath.

2. Keep your weight under reasonable control which, (like) as we all know, is easier said than done.

3. Remain active.

4. Keep your blood pressure under good control.

5. Keep your cholesterol under good control.

6. Make sure you get your flu and pneumonia shot, and that your children get all of their childhood vaccinations.  

There are several screening tests that may be helpful. 

            1. A yearly mammogram after the age of 40.

2. Occasional check-ups, depending on your age.

3. For people who have smoked a lot, a low dose, non-contrast CT of the chest to look for an early lung cancer.

4. Screening for bone density to detect osteoporosis in older people.   

Not smoking is by far the most important factor in being healthy and living to an old age.  The other factors are important, but not as important as not smoking.  I suppose having a cheerful attitude may be of some benefit as well.  

(This article from page 6, Winter 2013 issue, The Afton Vision)