Chronic diseases are the most common and costly of all health problems, and they are also the most preventable. According to the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), health-damaging but modifiable behaviours like tobacco use, insufficient physical activity, poor eating habits, and excessive alcohol use–are responsible for much of the illness, disability, and premature death related to chronic disease. They are also driving some 80% of our increasingly unaffordable sick-care costs. More stick and carrot incentives are inevitable because the present system is unsustainable.
In the never-too-late file, comes the story of Joan.
At age 70, Joan quite typically weighed nearly 200 pounds and took daily medication for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and acid reflux.
She previously had a tumour removed from her abdomen, underwent knee surgery, and had fallen down a handful of times. On top of that, she had progressive arthritis. Then she let her daughter show her how to eat healthily and follow a regular exercise regime. See Trim and toned at 73: How this Ontario senior overhauled her failing health:
“But what she cares most about is being completely off medication and feeling a new lease on life. Her body, mind, and relationships are much healthier.
“We’re only here for a short time so I want to make the most of it. I don’t want to be what I was because I was slowly dying. Now I’m going to live,” said Joan.
Today, she’s 62 pounds lighter than three years ago. She goes to the gym at least four mornings a week, with two days focused on cardio and different muscle groups for the rest, and eats five balanced meals a day.”
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