Innovations in Disease Prevention and Management
Physicians and researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center and other medical centers are uncovering important advances in preventing and managing disease:
- Sophisticated screening tests are enabling physicians to catch serious health problems early when prevention strategies or treatments are more successful. For instance, a simple test to detect the level of C-reactive protein in the blood can help identify a person's risk of heart disease years before symptoms develop.
- Research shows that lowering LDL cholesterol--through lifestyle changes and prescription drugs--can lower the short-term risk of a heart attack and stroke by as much as 40 percent.
- Studies are finding that some alternative therapies--such as acupuncture--hold promise, while other therapies seem to offer no benefit and could potentially be harmful. Your personal Executive Health physician can help you separate the hype from the truth about various supplements and alternative therapies available.
- Many people who suffer from arthritis, migraines, asthma, and other chronic conditions are finding relief from debilitating symptoms thanks to new therapies that are available. The University of Chicago Medical Center is home to world-respected experts in many common disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, who can help patients obtain the most cutting-edge therapies.
- The American Institute for Cancer Research believes that 60 to 70 percent of cancers can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices--such as diet, not smoking, and exercise. Just eating the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day could reduce the number of cancers by 20 percent. Increased knowledge about antioxidants and other chemicals in foods is helping researchers pinpoint exactly what foods can help prevent cancer.
