DEAR DR. GOTT: I enjoy reading your column. It seems that most of your topics are addressed to older people. I would be interested in reading more on prevention. For instance, if younger folks would try to eat more healthful foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, get plenty of exercise, have a job he or she likes, try to avoid stress and get enough sleep, wouldn't it go a long way toward having a healthful life? I know it will come to an end, but wouldn't it help our quality of life?

DEAR READER: I absolutely agree with you. There is a fairly common saying attributed to Benjamin Franklin that goes "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Basically, what it means is that taking small steps before something goes wrong, such as reducing stress, exercising on a regular basis, or eating more healthful foods, will prevent having to take drastic steps to fix the problem.

Eating a balanced diet that is high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables and has modest sources of lean meats or other protein sources is an excellent start. While tasting good, excess fat, salt and sugar do little in the way of helping the body carry out necessary tasks. By giving the body what it needs rather than what is fast and easy, we can prevent many disorders, including hypertension, elevated cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and more. Not every case can be prevented, since some persons are genetically wired to develop a condition regardless of conservative measures, but many cases can be prevented, halted or even reversed.

Exercise is an important step in preventive care. This can help reduce excess weight and stress; strengthen muscles, including the heart and lungs; and help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Stress can be responsible for many illnesses. Anxiety can worsen pre-existing conditions and may even bring on new ones as the body struggles to cope. Heart attack, stroke, panic attacks, angina, heartburn, headaches and more can be worsened. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation can help. If employment is the primary source of stress, attempt to make a change. If not, consider ways to avoid or reduce exposure to it.

Adequate sleep is probably one of the most overlooked ways of preventing illness. Similar to getting proper nutrition and exercise, sleep helps regulate our bodies and assists in making them run efficiently.

Each of these things separately can go a long way to potentially preventing illness. Combined, they are even better. Keep in mind, however, that some people will develop diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension or have a heart attack, stroke or other serious medical condition regardless of how healthful their lifestyles are. Type 1 diabetes, for example, is not caused by diet, although it can be worsened by it. Some types of hypertension are caused by physical anomalies within the body rather than an excessive intake of salt, alcohol or other substances.

In the end, nothing is guaranteed; however, it makes much more sense to try to prevent illness by taking simple steps than it does to try to repair the damage after it has already occurred. As I've said before, the body is like a car. It's easier to take it for regular maintenance and tune-ups before something happens than it is to wait until the engine seizes up and then try to fix it.

Dr. Peter Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook."