Delta County Resident Takes Control of Health

She stands in the produce section of the City Market in Delta, carefully selecting a few apples and a bag of carrots. Karen, a 55-year-old resident of Delta County, is making a conscious effort to eat healthier. She's aware of the risks associated with heart disease, cancer, and type-2 diabetes - the three leading causes of early mortality. As she shops, she thinks about the tools she has to boost her longevity.

Here's the thing though: it's not just about individual choices. The problem is, too many of us choose not to be proactive in protecting our wellbeing and life expectancy. According to a column by Haims, in the modern world, our greatest threat to life expectancy has shifted. Now, depending upon our life choices, the three most common causes of early mortality are heart disease, cancer, and type-2 diabetes — all of which are largely preventable.

Picture this: a world where organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) freely share credible research and education with us about heart disease. Because most people don’t know, or understand, how easy it is to improve their heart health, the AHA developed Life’s Essential 8. Life’s Essential 8 focuses on early prevention by targeting the main risk factors before serious problems occur. For folks around here, that means making small changes to daily habits, like taking a short walk around the block during lunch breaks or choosing whole foods over processed ones.

Not exactly a new concept, but one that bears repeating: tobacco, excess body weight, and alcohol use are three main modifiable risk factors for cancer. Data from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) indicates that, should we choose to educate ourselves, nearly 40% of cancers are preventable, proving that small, smart choices can make a difference. The 2024 Cancer Progress Report explains in very simple terms how modifications in lifestyle can reduce our cancer risk. As locals, we have the power to make informed decisions about our health, and that matters because it can lead to a longer, healthier life.

And that matters because the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity has risen sharply in recent decades. Although the most current data from the CDC was collected up until 2023, it estimates the percentage of the U.S. population over 18 affected with type 2 diabetes was about 15.8%. If that is not shocking enough, it is worth noting that 27.6% of adults aged over 18 may be living with undiagnosed diabetes. For people in the valley, that's a staggering number, especially considering the close tie between modern diets high in processed foods and sedentary lifestyles — both of which significantly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications that shorten lifespan.

As Karen checks out and heads home, she thinks about the advances in medicine, public health, and technology that have given us the tools to predict and prevent many health threats. She knows that she has the power to make choices that will impact her longevity, and she's determined to take control of her health. The question is, will others in the community join her?

The sun sets over the Western Slope, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. In this peaceful moment, it's clear that the choices we make about our health have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. As the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky, Karen sits on her porch, feeling a sense of hope and determination. She knows that she's not alone in this journey, and that together, the community can work towards a healthier, longer life.