Let's Live Healthier; Preventing disease is cheaper and smarter than treating it. Make it a priority, our Harvard doc says.(Interview)

Byline: Howard Lewine; Lewine is a clinical instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and medical director of Internet publishing at Harvard Health Publications. For more information go to health.harvard.edu. Readers should consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.

MIDDLETOWN, N.J.: Why not "What's Next in Prevention"? Why not more studies to support and publicize the benefits of quality air, water, sleep, exercise and nutrition? Why not an emphasis on making the home a wellness home?

DR. HOWARD LEWINE: I agree. While average life expectancy in most developed countries continues to increase, the rate of rise is slowing. Many experts worry that if we don't improve our eating habits and level of physical activity, we will see an unprecedented decline in life span.

Good health and disease prevention are usually toward the bottom of the list when we consider where and how we live. In America, a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention have not been priorities for community planners. With suburban sprawl, wider streets make less room for sidewalks. Malls and superstores have replaced local shops. Driving is no longer a convenience; for most people it is a necessity.

To help people take personal responsibility for staying healthy, we need to make it easier to live healthier. This requires studying different designs for our homes, offices…