The ABCs of healthy living Published April 21, 2009 By Lt. Col. (Dr.) Rawson Wood 87th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- As a physician, I care about you, your family and your health, so I'm offering some information to help you live longer and better enjoy life. Like the common cold, there is no cure for the common death. As the saying goes, human life is sexually transmitted and 100 percent fatal. However, we have a great deal of control over our health and in influencing our type of death. I believe that death fits into three categories, which start with A, B and C. The "A" category stands for accidents. Appropriately, it comes first because it is the most common threat for those of active-duty age, and most people who die on active duty die by what I lump into this category. Most people think of accidents as unintentional injuries, such as falls, burns and poisonings. However, I also put infections, suicide, homicide, sports injuries and other problems in this area. Many sports injuries are easily fixed; in fact the body repairs itself well and ibuprofen (Motrin) can help pass the time while healing more comfortably. Other injuries are sudden--and forever--such as a lost eye by a racquetball strike. Many accidents occur at work or while driving but can also happen at home. They can occur just by being at the wrong place at the wrong time, such as an animal attack or freak weather event. Sometimes accidents happen over long time periods, such as the interval between tobacco use and cancer death. Most injuries can be prevented simply by choosing safe or reasonably safe activities. Consider alternates (cross-country to downhill skiing) and backup plans (splitting a long drive into two shorter days driving) to reduce risks. Use protective equipment when working with tools or participating in sports and follow the rules for whatever activities you enjoy. Reassess choices and outcomes based on pain, near misses or injuries, using risk management practices. The most lethal category for Americans is category "B," which stands for blood vessel disease, the process where a blood vessel clogs up and blocks blood flow. When the affected vessel supplies blood to the heart or the brain, there is very little backup (collateral) flow and cells die. Besides having no spares, the kidney, the heart and brain do not grow back like our skin does. So, after a short time without blood, the affected heart or brain cells die and do not regenerate, a process known as a heart attack or stroke. While the timing of the actual event is unpredictable, the predisposing factors are known. Many of these factors can be measured and, to a large extent, are preventable. Obesity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol use and a lack of aerobic exercise all allow blood vessels to become damaged and ultimately clogged. The body works on a "use it or lose it" basis, quite obvious with muscles, but also with blood vessels. So, to minimize damage to the blood vessels, stop using tobacco, avoid unhealthy foods and exercise regularly. Additionally, follow medical advice regarding cholesterol, blood pressure and body weight. The third category is "C" for cancer. While the exact mechanism of death by cancer is often unknown, we all recognize how deadly it is. Like all preventive measures, there are three levels. Primary prevention involves avoiding the risks that can lead to cancer, such as tobacco smoke, carcinogenic chemicals and excessive exposure to sunlight. Secondary prevention involves finding and removing abnormal cells early, before they become invasive cancer. Thus, it is important to complete physician-recommended screening tests for cancer, such as Pap smears, mammograms, prostate specific antigen) tests and colonoscopies. The third level of prevention, removing cancer before it kills, can be miserable, and often involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Overall, when you think of somebody who has died, the fatal event probably fits into one of these categories. I have outlined some ideas to postpone the inevitable, and, most importantly, to feel better, perform better and even look better every day. Please know that your medical group is on duty 24/7 to maximize your health, and help you spend the most retirement money possible.