Posted 02 September 2005 - 04:55 AM
Abstract: Optimal Health Medicine
Advances in modern science and technology over the past century have resulted in an increase of almost 30 years in human life expectancy (at birth). However, “health expectancy” (i.e. that period of life prior to the onset of disability) has not kept pace. People are living longer, but not necessarily healthier. As a result, the number of people worldwide living with some form of disability or disease is increasing dramatically. In developed nations, three out of four people die from one of the progressive, degenerative diseases associated with aging. Yet, the medical establishment is doing little or nothing to combat aging itself. By slowing aging and/or its consequences, it may be possible to forestall the onset of these diseases. Unfortunately, aging is considered normal. Therefore, preventing age-related diseases is outside the domain of traditional medical practice. The current role of physicians is to “diagnose and treat” these diseases, not prevent them. This approach is no longer acceptable to many people. Combating age-related diseases successfully requires a different approach. We call this approach “Optimal Health Medicine.” Optimal Health Medicine uses the same science and technology that is the backbone of conventional western medicine, but applies it differently. Rather than waiting until a specific disease is diagnosed before attempting treatment, Optimal Health Medicine takes a more proactive approach. Progressive changes in an individual’s health risks and functional capacity are monitored longitudinally, while the person is healthy, before they degenerate into clinical disease. Armed with this information, specific interventions are prescribed immediately when risk factors are identified. These interventions are designed to preserve functional capacity, reduce health risks, and delay disease onset. Cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, and cancer are examples of age-related diseases that lend themselves well to this approach. Early detection and preventive intervention are the cornerstones of Optimal Health Medicine. The Kronos Optimal Health Medicine program, in the context of the Kronos Longitudinal Aging Study (KLAS), will be described in detail, including a brief description of certain interventions that may be helpful in achieving optimal health and fitness now and in the future.
