The Ohio Department of Health has stated that reducing the risk of chronic illnesses such as colon cancer can start with simple lifestyle changes. The agency suggests that a healthy diet, better lifestyle habits, and weight management are all linked to lower rates of chronic disease. The director of the department, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, emphasized increasing fiber as an early step and early detection of many chronic illnesses. He also mentioned that weight and obesity have been linked to increased colorectal cancer risk.