Final answer:
The most effective lifestyle practice to delay or prevent diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes is a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise, as they tackle multiple risk factors and promote overall health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best lifestyle practices to delay the onset of or prevent diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which may run in families, include a healthy diet and regular exercise. These actions not only help in preventing noninfectious diseases by reducing risk factors such as obesity and high cholesterol levels, but they also contribute to the overall strengthening of the cardiovascular and muscular systems. Reducing smoking and checking cholesterol are also important, but on their own, they might not be as effective as a combined approach involving diet and exercise.
Chronic Noninfectious Diseases
Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer are the leading causes of death in many developed countries and are significantly influenced by lifestyle choices, though they may have a genetic component as well. An estimated 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes and 40 percent of cancer cases could be avoided with healthier lifestyle choices.
Lifestyle Choices and Cancer
For cancer prevention, avoiding tobacco and maintaining a balance of a healthy diet and regular exercise can prevent a significant percentage of cancer deaths. Not using tobacco alone would prevent approximately 25 percent of cancer deaths.
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
To reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a nutritious diet are crucial. These practices can help in managing body weight and reducing the risk of high cholesterol and obesity.