In today’s high-powered, health-conscious world, we’re all smarter, more informed about our bodies, and preoccupied with ways to live long, healthy lives. We’ve accomplished half of that goal: living longer. But we’re missing the “living healthier” part of the equation.

On December 15, 2012, the British medi-
cal journal The Lancet published data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. Here are the key findings, starting with the good news: Around the world, longevity has increased. We’re less likely to succumb prematurely to malaria
and measles, but more likely to drop dead later in life from heart attack or stroke. The bad news is, we’re more likely to spend our last years disabled by diseases—most of which are preventable.

Chronic illness has long dogged Americans. Now it’s spreading to other countries. Where have we gone wrong? We have health-related facts
and figures at our fingertips. We have expensive diagnostic tests, highly trained doctors, and cutting-edge treatments. The shelves in super- markets groan under the weight of boxes, cans, and bags. Modern conveniences have reduced our need for physical labor. Computers give us up-to-date medical bulletins.