He said the best guide is to learn about your family health history, including parents, grandparents, cousins and other family members. The more you know as far as family health is concerned, the better chance you will have at not repeating the same health problems. It is possible that the disease was a result of behavior, not genetics. You may be able to take corrective action. Smith said that one thing that Americans need to do is watch their weight.
Obesity is America's number one general health problem.
We are a much more sedentary society than we ever care to admit, and we are becoming more overweight because of excessive calorie intake, which has been exacerbated by the fast food industry. In respect to obesity, we have to try to do something to bring weight down without victimizing. We need to recognize obesity as a problem and at the same time treat those who are overweight with the same fairness that we say we treat everyone else. If you think you will be living much longer than your ancestors, think again. Smith said living longer reflects an ability to control those things that have killed others in the past.