Richard Abrazi is a New York City-based healthcare executive dedicated to sharing resources regarding the importance of preventive care in everyone’s life–at any age or any stage. “After working in this field for three decades, I have seen too many tragic outcomes that could have been alleviated or significantly changed had they been diagnosed earlier, or screened for,” he says. He publishes a blog and articles related to this topic, including:

Five ways yoga is good for your health

Why it’s important to check in with your doctor

Some tips for Alzheimer’s disease prevention

Can meditation techniques relieve depression?

How do hormones impact headaches for women?

How is the obesity epidemic impacting America’s children?

How to be a helpful, supportive parent for LGBTQ youth

4 Tips for Warding Off Germs on New York City Subways

What to do if your NYC apartment is infested with bedbugs

Navigating a more 'age-friendly' NYC

The statistics regarding deaths from preventable conditions are grim, as reported by PublicHealth.org: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) find that “7 out of 10 U.S. deaths are caused by chronic disease, while roughly half the country’s population has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, AIDS, or other conditions classified by the medical community as preventable.”

Preventive health screenings increase life expectancy

The article goes on, “Statistics like these signal a need for greater national emphasis on proven preventive approaches to health care. According to Healthy People, a federal program administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, routine cardiovascular exams alone save tens of thousands of adult lives each year, while vaccines save the lives of roughly 42,000 children on an annual basis. Preventive health screenings and primary care consultations have also been found to significantly increase life expectancy, particularly among the 30- to 49-year age group.”

Improvement to your health doesn’t need to come straight from the doctor’s office, however. Many preventative health care measures can be done with simple, small, and free lifestyle changes. Adjusting your diet to include less sugars and fats, for instance, can keep you at a healthy weight and avoid obesity, as well as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, osteoporosis and bone fractures, and dental problems. 

Your mental health can affect your physical health as well. One easy change to make in your routine is adding yoga, which has been shown to alleviate not only physical issues such as low back pain and risk factors for heart disease, but also improve your overall mental health and happiness. If yoga doesn’t interest you, any kind of physical activity can produce similar results.

If you are concerned about your heath and have avoided taking steps to be proactive due to fear of diagnoses, a lack of health care coverage or to prevent having to risk expenses you may not be able to afford, please know that there are many free ways to start taking control.

This list of resources includes free expert tips about how diet, nutrition, emotional health, exercise and medical screenings can not only save your life, but improve your quality of living and extend your longevity. Confronting the status of your health may feel daunting, but taking the time to consult these resources and take proactive steps will be well worth it. For additional information, read: 5 Important Health Screenings for Optimum Preventive Care.