On July 10 we spread awareness on Chronic Disease Day to educate and advocate for people who live with a chronic health conditions every day. Our hope is to raise awareness to be supportive for anyone suffering from a chronic disease.
A chronic disease is a condition that lasts longer than one year. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Seven out of 10 people suffer from a form of chronic disease.
What are a few common chronic diseases?
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Alzheimer’s
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
Many, but not all, chronic diseases can be prevented simply by practicing self-care. Improving and practicing a healthy lifestyle can likely reduce getting a chronic disease.
What can I do to prevent getting a chronic disease?
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating the proper amount of fruits, veggies, grains, dairy and protein plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy weight. Limiting sugar and starch intake prevents obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
- Exercise. Increasing physical activity not only promotes physical health, it also helps balance mental health.
- Routine medical check-ups. Visiting your doctor regularly is important when maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Early detection to address medical problems and finding a plan of action.
- Know your family medical history. Having a complete medical history of your family will help your doctor determine possible health problems you may develop. It also gives a good reminder for you to pay special attention to medical problems that are hereditary.
- Rest. Getting adequate rest is a factor in how your body reacts to “life.” Stress, depression and anxiety cause serious health problems, too.
