There are numerous prevention tools; the following are among the most important:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, respecting the rules related to the use of seat belts, observing a healthy diet, carrying out a good physical activity, wearing sunglasses and abstaining from smoke
Vaccinations aimed at preventing infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia and childhood infectionsCompliance with screening recommendations aimed at early diagnosis of disorders such as arterial hypertension and cancer
If the patient is at high risk of developing certain diseases (such as atherosclerosis) or is suffering from the disease, follow drug therapy in the recommended ways to prevent the development or exacerbation of the disease (preventive drug therapy, also known as chemoprevention)
Correct positioning of the children’s bicycle helmet Preventive drug therapy includes cholesterol-lowering drugs for the prevention of atherosclerosis, aspirin for the prevention of heart attack or stroke, tamoxifen for the prevention of breast cancer in women at increased risk, and antihypertensive drugs to reduce blood pressure and prevent stroke.Did you know that …
Adherence to a healthy diet, regular physical activity and smoking cessation help prevent all three leading causes of death in the United States (heart disease, cancer and stroke).Healthy lifestyleLifestyle and illness are clearly related.
For example, adhering to an unhealthy diet (with a high caloric intake, saturated fats and trans fatty acids), abstaining from physical activity and smoking are all factors that increase the risk of developing heart disease, cancer and stroke (three leading causes of death in the United States).
Changing the habits of an unhealthy lifestyle can help prevent particular diseases and / or improve the shape and quality of life. Talking to doctors and other health care professionals can help the patient make wise decisions and follow healthy habits. However, the establishment and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle are only possible if the patient wants it.
Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly is difficult for many, but adhering to this lifestyle reduces the risk of developing serious health conditions and often feels better and has more energy.
Healthy eating habits can help people prevent or control conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. Recommendations include
Consistent intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and breads, partly because this type of diet is high in fiber
Reduction in the intake of fat in the diet, for example by choosing low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry and very lean meat
Reduction in the consumption of saturated fats by avoiding the intake of trans fatty acids and instead eating foods containing healthier fats, such as omega-3 acids, present in certain types of fish
Reduction in calorie intake to maintain the recommended body weight (Body Mass Index (BMI))Reduction of salt consumptionCorrect intake of calcium and vitamin D (in the diet or in the form of supplements)Physical activity can help prevent obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer, constipation, falls and other health problems.
The ideal routine involves moderate physical activity for a total of 150 minutes per week or intense aerobic activity for 75 minutes per week (or a combination of the two). The periods of physical activity must be at least 10 minutes and, ideally, be distributed over the week. However, the rule is that even a little physical activity is better than nothing.
For example, people who can only dedicate 10 minutes to physical activity a few times a week can still obtain important benefits, especially if the activity is intense. Walking is a simple and effective exercise that many enjoy.
Certain types of physical activity are also capable of targeting specific problems. For example, stretching exercises improve flexibility, which, in turn, can help prevent falls. Aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of heart attacks and angina.