While genes play a role in many of these diseases, their significance is usually less than most realize. For example, 95+% of most cancers can be prevented if individuals choose to live the right lifestyle (Campbell & Campbell, 2006; Campbell, 2013). This is terrific news as it illustrates we have a great deal of control over our health. This also makes sense when you step back and think about it. If w
e eat healthy, live an active lifestyle, and avoid toxins (alcohol, drugs, tobacco), surely we will be better off than if we don’t. Culture and lifestyle are fueling these situations. If you were working with a population with deep rooted cultural practices where they eat unhealthy, are not active, and consume toxins, how might you go about changing this situation? What would be step one?
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