Practice Prevention

Chronic diseases account for seven of every ten U.S. Deaths and for more than 60 percent of medical care expenditures — but much of the chronic disease in this country is preventable. Eating better and exercising more — two pillars of the Living Well With Montel program — can go a long way toward preventing chronic disease, but so can seeing your doctor regularly for preventive care, even if you don't feel sick. So mark your calendar to remind yourself of when you're due for a checkup or your annual physical, and don't skip it.Keeping up with regular doctor visits gives you a chance to have important health markers checked — blood pressure and cholesterol levels, among others. The doctor will be able to spot anything out of the ordinary and treat it before it becomes an unchecked risk factor for bigger problems, like heart disease.

Also, it's important to see your doctor and get his or her approval before starting or escalating an exercise program, especially if you have any health issues, are over 50, or are not used to doing moderate physical activity, or if you smoke or are pregnant. Your doctor will let you know if there are any tests you need to undergo before starting any new activities, or any activities you should avoid because of medical conditions. And if you are recovering from an injury, surgery, or other medical emergency, your doctor can refer you to a physical therapy or rehabilitation program where exercises will be tailored to your needs.

Even if you've already received your doctor's okay, if you feel any pain, uncomfortable stiffness, dizziness, or severe breathlessness during exercise, stop right away and be sure to consult your doctor. Getting the proper care for a minor problem can prevent you from developing a serious injury or condition that could halt your exercise efforts for the long term