Addressing Wellness and Prevention

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes account for about 70% of all U.S. deaths each year, yet screening and modification of risk factors can dramatically reduce the burdens of such diseases.  Focusing on wellness and prevention is therefore essential to saving lives and reducing health care costs. This section includes status indicators on key medical screening tests for women and personal behaviors that can influence health.

 

Screening

The status indicators in this section reflect screening for cervical cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and cholesterol. These tests, which are specifically intended to be provided when women do not have symptoms, were selected because the diseases for which they screen can effectively be treated with early interventions.

Prevention

Certain behaviors play an important role in promoting health and preventing disease. Being physically active, not smoking, drinking alcohol only in moderation, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthful diet, and visiting a dentist annually can improve or maintain a woman's general health and well-being and can reduce both the risks and consequences of certain diseases. The Report Card includes status indicators that reflect these health-promoting behaviors.