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The single best prescription for the nation’s health care crisis is easily articulated, but enormously difficult to implement: get people to make lifestyle changes that are proven to result in healthier lives.
Tobacco, of course, remains the biggest culprit. It’s been said cancer deaths in this nation could be reduced by a third if people would quit smoking. It is why tobacco prevention and cessation programs must be adequately funded.
But, another preventable problem may soon overtake tobacco use as a leading cause of premature death in this country.
It is obesity!
One recent study concluded 65% of American adults are overweight. Think of it – that’s six of every ten of you who are hearing this editorial. Tragically, adults don’t have a corner on the problem. In fact, the obesity epidemic is skyrocketing among children.
Unless the trends are reversed, society, down the road, will pay dearly, both in lives lost and in expensive medical treatment for the many illnesses and diseases that will result.
For the well being of everyone, KSL encourages each American to strive diligently to turn away from unhealthy lifestyle choices. Eat better, avoid harmful habits and exercise more. It remains, without doubt, the best prescription of all.
