Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can begin in early childhood, but the process can be halted or even reversed if you make healthy changes in your diet and lifestyle.
The gradual bone thinning that results in osteoporosis may be slowed down if you consume enough calcium and magnesium, maintain adequate vitamin D levels and participate in weight-bearing exercise. You might be genetically predisposed to diabetes, but if you keep your weight within a healthy range through diet and exercise, the disease may never strike you.