On one of my husband’s journeys he was seated on the plane next to a leading cancer research doctor. This doctor told my husband that we are no closer to a cure for cancer today than when he first began his cancer research many years ago. He also stated that those who improved while suffering from cancer had taken control of their own cancer therapy.

Could it be that you should take control of your treatment, or whatever process of rehabilitation that you are in?

Today, as a first step in treatment, we are going to talk about taking control of your lifestyle. In the United States, 75% of health care dollars go to treatment of chronic disease. These persistent conditions are the nation’s leading cause of death and disability, leaving deaths in their wake that could have been prevented; lifelong disability that could have been avoided; and an overall compromised quality of life.

In addition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, says that health care costs are escalating, and 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans each year are from chronic diseases. So, although many fear epidemics such as H1N1, SARS or Ebola, the reality is that most deaths occur due to chronic health issues.

Chronic diseases are often preventable and frequently manageable. In fact, many chronic diseases could be prevented, delayed, or alleviated through simple lifestyle changes! The CDC estimates that eliminating three risk factors—poor diet, inactivity, and smoking—would prevent 80% of heart disease and stroke; 80% of Type 2 diabetes; and 40% of cancer.

So let’s begin and make a lifestyle adjustment. It is possible to adjust the foundation of our lives and adjust our thinking. We can eliminate these 3 risk factors: poor diet, inactivity and smoking—and eliminate chronic disease!