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Supporting Wellness to Prevent Illness
Richard H. Carmona, M.D., MPH, FACS, Vice Chairman for Canyon Ranch and the 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), discussed the importance of proper diet as well as the impact of smoking and secondhand smoke on public health at the Partners in Philanthropy celebration.
“For many years, people thought of second-hand smoke as a nuisance,” Dr. Carmona said. “But we found that all secondhand smoke has effects. Changes on cell structure throughout the body are immediate and over time, these changes increase,” he added.
He also spoke of the cost of obesity, as it increases an individual’s risk for many other conditions, such as diabetes. Overall, he emphasized how healthy behaviors can prevent disease.
“We have to build a nation that embraces health and wellness. Rather than waiting for people to become sick, we have to do a better job of helping people change their behaviors. The ultimate goal is to achieve optimal health and wellness, which reduces cost of care and increases longevity and quality of life,” Dr. Carmona said.