Chronic diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis, diabetes, COPD, heart disease, and osteoporosis (just to name a few), are the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S, responsible for seven out of every 10 deaths in the U.S.
Approximately 133 million Americans have at least one chronic disease, which is pretty eye-opening considering chronic diseases can often be prevented and alleviated through lifestyle choices. A poor diet, inactivity, and smoking are three significant risk factors that cause the majority of existing chronic diseases. Eliminating these risk factors are estimated to prevent 80% of heart disease and stroke, 80% of type 2 diabetes, and 40% of cancer.
Regardless of your age or current health situation, it’s important to be aware of the common chronic diseases and additional tips on how to prevent them.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic and autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system, affecting the brain, the spinal cord, as well as optic nerves. Unfortunately, scientists have yet to determined how to prevent MS. While it is believed to be linked with genetics, there are still health preventions you can take to reduce your risk as much as possible:
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Avoid concussions, as they are associated with a higher risk of MS
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Stay away from smoking
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Ensure sufficient Vitamin D intake
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Practice intermittent fasting
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Exercise a healthy diet
Diabetes
Diabetes is the result of inadequate amounts of insulin being produced in the pancreas or the inability to use the insulin in the body effectively. An estimated 8% of Americans live with diabetes, with numbers continuing to rise. Type 1 diabetes isn’t preventable but thankfully, type 2 diabetes typically is. About 9 out of 10 cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented by taking the proper precautions:
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Maintain a healthy weight
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Eat healthily
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Abstain from processed foods
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Avoid smoking
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Limit alcohol intake
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Sustain a healthy blood pressure
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is an all-encompassing term for a group of lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory asthma. COPD causes an increase in breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Here are some ways you can reduce your risk of these diseases:
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Quit smoking or avoid it altogether
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Avoid secondhand smoke
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Avoid toxic chemicals and fumes
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Work with your community to improve the air quality
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
CVD is an umbrella term for diseases involving the heart and blood vessels. This includes coronary heart disease, strokes, and any other similar heart failure or condition. A staggering number of 610,000 people die of heart disease each year in the U.S.—accounting for 1 in every 4 deaths. Prevention for CVD and keeping your heart healthy is similar to the prevention of previously mentioned chronic diseases, including:
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Avoid smoking
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Eat healthily
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Exercise on a regular basis
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Drink alcohol in moderate amounts
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Manage your stress levels
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Treat diabetes (diabetes doubles the risk of diabetic heart disease)
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Have a healthy sleep schedule and stick to it
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis occurs because of an imbalance within new bone formation and old bone resorption. This chronic disease causes bones to become thin and frail, making it more likely to experience fractures and severe pain with a simple fall or for no reason at all. Osteoporosis affects around 75 million people in the U.S., Europe, and, Japan. Here’s how to strengthen your bones and prevent osteoporosis:
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Practice a healthy diet with enough calcium
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Avoid protein malnutrition as well as under-nutrition
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Get proper amounts of vitamin D
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Exercise regularly
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Avoid secondhand smoke
Get Immediate Medical Assistance
With an unpredictable illness, you never know when you’re going to need immediate medical assistance or a simple helping hand. Medical Guardian is a one-stop provider of medical alert systems for anyone concerned for their safety or loved one’s safety. With various types of medical alert systems, you can choose the technology that best fits your lifestyle, condition, and needs.
