The Power of Prevention

An immutable fact of life is that we will all die. Anti-aging is a myth. On the other hand, we can age gracefully and do everything in our power to prevent age-related diseases that result in years of discomfort, loss of vigor, and dependency. The most common causes of death and disability all begin at a stage when early detection can lead to prevention or cure.

Tragically, for 150,000 people a year, the first sign of heart disease is sudden death. The good news is that contemporary imaging techniques can identify individuals with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) up to 10 years before the risk of a heart attack. Risk factors can be easily identified with advanced laboratory tests. And most importantly, coronary artery plaque can be stabilized or even reversed.

Obesity is clearly associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Strong evidence exists that even modest weight loss lowers blood pressure, reduces serum triglycerides, and cholesterol—especially LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). Weight loss reduces blood glucose levels in overweight persons at risk for diabetes.

Aneurysms of the aorta occur in 7% of men over age 60 and are responsible for approximately 30,000 deaths every year. Detected early during a full vascular scan, aneurysms of the aorta can be surgically repaired and rupture prevented.

Lung cancer is the most common fatal malignancy of both men and women. Only 10% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer will live five years. Early detection of lung cancer using contemporary scanning technology can improve survival to over 80%.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. More than 90% of these deaths are preventable. Colon polyps grow at a very slow pace and take 5-10 years to become a cancer. These polyps can be detected, removed, and cancer prevented.

One in two women and one in four men older than 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture at some time during their life. Many of those fractures, especially hip and spine fractures, can cause a lifetime of disability and even hasten death. Prevention of osteoporosis begins with detection. A simple test of bone density can help guide treatment to strengthen your bones.

Colorado has one of the highest rates of malignant melanoma—a potentially fatal skin cancer—in the country. A thorough total body skin examination takes time, but it's critical for early detection and cure of malignant melanoma.