Because many drugs have side effects, especially when taken in the long term. Aspirin alone isn't without its issues (ulcers, etc), not to mention the statins,

Because many drugs have side effects, especially when taken in the long term. Aspirin alone isn't without its issues (ulcers, etc), not to mention the statins, etc. This advice may make sense on the aggregate, but for a truly healthy individual with otherwise low risk factors, this has the potential to do more harm than good. I do agree that overall this makes sense for most people though - and that a combination of both approaches sounds like really good advice. Edit: Clarified opinion.