7 Diseases to Start Preventing from a Young Age
Dr. Georges Benjamin of the American Public Health Association believes that when we are young, we always think we are invincible. But frustratingly, more and more diseases are slowly becoming younger. Diseases that typically occur in the 60-70 age group often occur 20, 30, or even 40 years earlier. The main cause of this situation is an unhealthy lifestyle, such as poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. By adjusting your lifestyle from today, you can effectively prevent the following 7 diseases and live a longer life.
1. Melanoma
Typical age of onset: After 50
Earliest possible onset: Teens to twenties
What we can do: Avoid tanning, as even occasional tanning can significantly increase the risk of melanoma. It's almost impossible to completely avoid the sun, so our daily moisturizing skincare should have at least SPF 15, but many experts believe it needs SPF 30. Dr. Thomas S. Kupper, a dermatology professor at Harvard Medical School, suggests that if you need to work outdoors, try to avoid the period from 10 AM to 2 PM, as the sun's rays are strongest during this time. There is also some evidence that taking a daily vitamin D supplement may help inhibit melanoma.
2. Osteoporosis
Typical age of onset: After 65
Earliest possible onset: Fifties
What we can do: Don't wait! Dr. Kathryn Diemer, director of the Clinical Bone Health Program at Washington University School of Medicine, recommends that early on, it is crucial to supplement with vitamin D and calcium; at the same time, engage in regular exercise, especially aerobic activities like jogging, walking, or climbing stairs; smoking and alcohol are harmful to bone tissue, so women should have no more than one drink a day and men no more than two, and both should avoid smoking; finally, limit cola intake, as the phosphoric acid in cola can accelerate calcium loss from bones.
3. Stroke
Typical age of onset: After 65
Earliest possible onset: Twenties to thirties
What we can do: If you smoke, even occasionally, it's time to quit now, because smoking doubles your risk of stroke. Other health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol also increase the risk. Dr. Shazam Hussain of the Cleveland Clinic believes we should control these factors that can lead to a stroke, while also reducing salt and trans fat intake; eat fish twice a week; and get more exercise—even a 30-minute walk daily can make a difference to your body.
4. Breast Cancer
Typical age of onset: After 45
Earliest possible onset: Teens
What we can do: Dr. Ann Partridge of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute believes that for most women, it's important to maintain regular exercise and a slim figure. At the same time, limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink a day to reduce the risk. However, if there is a hereditary history of breast cancer, prescription medication or a mastectomy should be considered.
5. Alzheimer's Disease
Typical age of onset: After 65
Earliest possible onset: Forties
What we can do: Keep your brain active! Dr. Gustavo Alva believes we can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by maintaining both physical and brain health. For example, you could pick up a new language or learn to play a musical instrument, which can help delay cognitive decline. Moreover, a heart-healthy lifestyle is also good for brain health, so to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, it's important to maintain low cholesterol, low blood pressure, and stay physically fit.
6. Type 2 Diabetes
Typical age of onset: Forties to fifties
Earliest possible onset: Childhood
What we can do: Food is medicine. Dr. Michelle F. Magee, director of the Diabetes Research Center, believes that young people with type 2 diabetes are mainly due to their dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. If you are overweight, especially with excess abdominal fat, the risk is greater. Therefore, it is essential to control the intake of high-sugar, high-fat, and low-fiber foods. A 2009 study found that foods processed with nitrates and nitrites and cured foods are positively correlated with the risk of type 2 diabetes.
7. Gout
Typical age of onset: Fifties to sixties
Earliest possible onset: Thirties
What we can do: Although gout is a common disease in the elderly, it is becoming more prevalent among young people, but fortunately, it is preventable. E. Robert Harris believes that gout in young people is mostly due to unhealthy lifestyles such as obesity and excessive alcohol consumption. However, rapid weight loss through dieting can also lead to high levels of uric acid.