Empowering you with the knowledge to prevent chronic disease and live with confidence

In Part 1, we covered six essential steps for reducing your risk of chronic disease — from maintaining a healthy weight to keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check. In this second installment, we explore the remaining six keys that can help protect your health, extend your quality years, and make disease prevention feel less overwhelming and more doable.

Chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s, COPD, and diabetes are responsible for 7 out of 10 deaths in the U.S. They cause immense suffering, disability, and a staggering financial burden on both patients and the healthcare system. But here’s the hopeful truth: most chronic diseases are preventable, especially before age 80.

If your parents, siblings, or grandparents had or have heart disease, it’s not uncommon for my patients to wonder: Am I destined for the same fate? Heart disease is influenced by a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environment. And the good news is, you have control over more than you think!

Your heart health is influenced by much more than just diet and exercise—daily habits you might not think twice about can have a significant impact. Here are five surprising habits that could be harming your heart and simple strategies to protect it.