Prevention could save 100,000 lives a year

The Partnership for Prevention recently released findings that outlined five preventative health services and actions that could save over 100,000 lives a year, a study that was partially funded by the CDC. The services include:

• taking one low-dose aspirin every day,: 45,000 lives per year
• advising smokers to quit, and offering treatment options to do so: 42,000 lives per year
• regular screening for colorectal cancer for those 50 and over: 14,000 lives per year
• getting a regular flu shot: 12,000 per year
• regular breast cancer screenings for women over 40: 4,000 lives per year

The next step is funding for programs that will educate the public and to reach those who fall into the gaps. For instance, the study found that Hispanic smokers are over 50% less likely to get help quitting and that Asian Americans are less likely than other groups to get preventative health screenings or take aspirin.

You don't have to wait for program to develop to take action. Take the list with you the next time you visit your doctor and make sure you're protecting your health to the fullest!