Although America provides some of the world’s best health care and spent over $ trillion for health in 2009, the . still ranks below many countries in life expectancy, infant mortality, and many other indicators of healthy life. 1 Most of our nation’s pressing health problems can be prevented. Eating healthfully and engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol use, and other drug abuse, using seat belts, an receiving preventive services and vaccinations are just a few of the ways people can stay healthy. Health is more than merely th absence of disease; it is physical, mental, and social well-being. 2 Investments in prevention.
