The Lifestyle Chronicles - One Size Fits All

It is true that diagnostic tools are available that can detect disease at the early, asymptomatic stage. There is much to be learned about the natural course of diseases detected at earlier stages but the logical assumption is that early detection increases the effectiveness of prevention.

The other side of the coin is that tests for early detection involve cost and some are quite expensive. If multiple tests are utilized, the expense can be high. Then, there is the problem of false positive and false negative results.

Centers have been established to utilize these technologies but they are not ready for prime time. Unless the information serves as motivation to practice prevention or a way to measure progress or to determine whether to utilize specialized therapeutic procedures, the energy, attention and resources would be better spent implementing a broad based healthy lifestyle.

Everyone is in need of primary prevention regardless of diagnostic tests. It is a healthcare issue and it does not have to be a medical issue. Contemplating, structuring and implementing a healthy lifestyle is proactive and it increases the probability of achieving and maintaining optimum health status and optimum mental, emotional and physical performance.

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