8 common medical issues you can often prevent

Illness, disability or serious chronic disease are not all inevitable.

As we age, our risk for disease increases. And there are some common diseases people encounter as they age. But physicians have an important message about aging and disease: we have the power to change our health trajectory.

“Disease is absolutely not inevitable, and the most common conditions we experience are in large part preventable or can be discovered early on with screenings,” said Chukwuemeka Enwezor, MD, a family medicine physician with Endeavor Health.

1. Type 2 diabetes 
   Type 2 diabetes can be a life-altering disease. It often sneaks up on people, as there are typically no obvious symptoms other than a high blood glucose level. More noticeable symptoms may include frequent urination, fatigue, thirst, blurry vision, slow-to-heal cuts and bruises, and tingling, painful or numb hands and feet.

   To avoid developing type 2 diabetes, start by scheduling regular physicals with your primary care physician that include bloodwork to catch any signs or symptoms early. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, so staying physically active and eating a healthy diet can help you avoid this disease.

2. Heart disease 
   While heart disease and stroke are the number one killer of adults in America, the majority are avoidable.

   There are things you can do that will lower your risk, including exercising regularly, committing to a healthier diet, scheduling regular checkups with your primary care doctor, and monitoring your cholesterol and blood pressure.

   “It’s also important to know your family’s history of heart disease, as genetics play a role in your risk of developing heart disease and this background information can provide an overall picture of your risk,” Dr. Enwezor said. “That said, staying on top of your health with healthy lifestyle choices and monitoring with your doctor can help keep your heart going strong.”

3. Osteoporosis 
   Bone loss is most common among women over age 50 and can cause bones to become so weak they break easily. Keep bones strong as you age by regularly doing weight-bearing exercise and getting enough protein, calcium and vitamin D each day — foods like leafy green vegetables, fish and low-fat dairy.

   “Limit alcohol and quit smoking if you smoke, as both can weaken bones,” Dr. Enwezor said.

   Bone density tests, or DEXA scans, are recommended for women over 65 and those with a history of fractures or other risk factors. The screening is a noninvasive X-ray to measure bone mineral density and bone loss. Ask your doctor whether you should be screened.

4. Obesity 
   Having a body weight that is considered obese can increase our risk for a number of preventable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and even cancer.

   Maintaining a healthy weight is a step that lowers risk across the board. And staying at a healthy weight depends on consistency. Making a habit of regular exercise (at least 150  minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or water aerobics), portion control, lower-calorie foods and hydration will help ensure you stay at a healthy weight.

   Calculating your body mass index (BMI), a screening tool that calculates body fat based on height and weight, can give you an idea of whether you’re overweight or obese. If you’re overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about how to safely reduce your risk.

5. Skin cancer 
   While skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., it’s also one of the most easily preventable.

   “Always wear sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. Wear it in the summer when it’s hot and sunny and in the winter — snow can reflect the sun onto your skin as well,” Dr. Enwezor said.

   Don’t tan, indoors or outdoors. Instead, seek shade when possible, wear sun-protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and do regular skin checks to look for new spots or changes to your skin. Schedule an annual skin check with a dermatologist.

6. Colon cancer 
   The western diet of highly-processed foods combined with a sedentary lifestyle can lead to a higher risk of colon cancer.

   Fiber helps keep your colon healthy. Eat a high-fiber diet of fruits and vegetables, minimize red and processed meat, and moderate alcohol. Exercising regularly will also help keep you healthy.

   One of the best ways to prevent colon cancer is to get screened. Colonoscopies, the gold standard for prevention and early detection of colon cancer, can begin at age 45 or earlier, depending on individual risk factors and family history. Ask your doctor when you should get screened.

7. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 
   COPD can cause a chronic cough, wheezing and tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, fatigue and a feeling like you can’t take a deep breath. The disease develops when lungs are exposed to irritants over time, which damages the lungs and airways. It’s primarily caused by smoking, but it can also result from inhaling air pollution, chemicals, dust or fumes. One in four people with COPD have never smoked.

   Avoid COPD by not smoking, and quitting if you do. Also avoid secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes and dust when possible.

   “Preventing infections with viruses like influenza, COVID-19 and pneumonia will also help keep your lungs healthy,” Dr. Enwezor said. “Getting vaccinated for these viruses is a vital way to avoid illness.”

8. Sports injuries 
   Exercise is a good thing, and there’s nothing wrong with being a weekend warrior. Unless you go all out in a new activity and end up pulling something.

   Sports injuries are common, but avoidable.

   “Warming up and proper stretching can go a long way toward avoiding injury when you’re active,” Dr. Enwezor said. “Make sure you care for your joints with proper equipment and strengthening exercises. And do not overdo it. Doing too much too soon can lead to injuries. Give yourself recovery time after workouts to allow your muscles to heal.”