THE MESSAGE FROM THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY IS SIMPLE: Regular testing (every 10 years starting at age 50) is the most powerful weapon available for preventing colorectal cancer. In addition to seeking screening and early detection, you can potentially reduce your risk by eating less red meat and more fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and not smoking.

Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ.

MORE THAN 166,000 PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 45 AND 64 WERE TREATED IN EMERGENCY ROOMS, clinics, and doctors’ offices for injuries related to exercise and exercise equipment last year. To prevent such injuries, always warm up and stretch before exercising, develop a balanced fitness program to prevent overuse injuries, pay attention to your body’s needs and abilities, and modify your workout accordingly.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, IL.

AGING PUTS PEOPLE AT GREATER RISK FOR SERIOUS EYE DISEASE and other eye problems, but loss of sight need not go hand in hand with growing older. An estimated 40 to 50 percent of all blindness can be avoided or treated, mainly through regular visits to a vision specialist, not smoking, wearing sunglasses and a hat when in the sun, and eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Research at Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA.

KEEP YOUR GOLF GAME ON PAR by taking these steps to prevent injuries: Practice on real turf instead of rubber mats. Wear the appropriate golf shoes; ones with short cleats are best. Do not hunch over the ball—doing so can cause neck strain and rotator cuff tendinitis. Perform wrist and forearm stretching exercises, and don’t overemphasize your wrists when you swing.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, IL

THE PERIO-CARDIO CONNECTION. Healthy gums can help reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of men and women in the U.S. Several studies have shown people with periodontal (gum) disease have an increased risk for cardiovascular conditions, possibly because both conditions are inflammatory.

The American Academy of Periodontology, Chicago, IL.

TO NATURALLY LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL: Make meat a minor part of your diet instead of the centerpiece of most meals. Choose lean meats, fish, or skinless white meat poultry. Avoid whole milk dairy foods. Use liquid cooking oils rather than butter or margarine. Cook with canola, sunflower, safflower, or olive oil. Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods, and dried beans and peas. Avoid trans fats.

Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA.

WEIGHT-BEARING ACTIVITIES such as running, basketball, and dancing are effective in building and enhancing overall bone health, according to a review of more than 50 years of studies on the role of exercise on skeletal tissue and bone health. The review found the most bonefriendly exercises are jumping for the lower body and racquet sports for the upper body.

University of Michigan Bone & Joint Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation Center, Ann Arbor,..

ANXIOUS ADULTS ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE ANXIOUS CHILDREN. Research found children of parents diagnosed with an anxiety disorder are up to seven times more likely to develop the condition themselves. Prevention, screening, and treatment of childhood anxiety are critical because delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to depression, substance abuse, and poor academic performance throughout childhood and into adulthood.

Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Baltimore, MD.

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