It makes perfect sense. We should all prevent known problems before they happen – preferentially, before they become a devastating concern. Still, when it comes to chronic disease, many overlook simple options to nip the problem in the bud.
“the most common, costly and preventable of all health problems”
Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Chronic diseases are conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis. They are among the most common, costly and preventable of all health problems. They generally cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medication, nor do they simply disappear.
They can, however, often be prevented by healthy living and avoiding certain high-risk behaviors.
But what does that actually mean? Let’s take an investigative look into the common questions and answers that most effectively prove behaviors aimed at preventing disease are effective.
How do chronic diseases affect people?
In 2012, about half of all US adults (117 million people) had one or more chronic health conditions; one of four adults had two or more.
Seven of the top 10 causes of death in 2010 were chronic diseases. Two of these chronic diseases—heart disease and cancer—together accounted for nearly 48% of all deaths.
To put that in perspective, in a room sample of 30 people, 8 of them would have multiple diseases! This is the current position in which we find ourselves. All of this could be reduced largely by taking responsibility of our health.
Obesity
Obesity is a serious health concern. During 2009–2010, more than one-third of adults, or about 78 million people, were obese (defined as above suggested their body mass index). Nearly one of five youths aged 2–19 years was obese.
Cancer
Cancer is a term used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. Cancer is not just one disease, but many diseases. There are more than 100 kinds of cancer.
Diabetes
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations other than those caused by injury, and new cases of blindness among adults.
What Causes Chronic Disease?
Chronic diseases can be genetic, but are more commonly caused by health-risk behaviors. Behaviors that prevent disease, did you read that correctly? These diseases are mostly preventable!
Health-risk behaviors are unhealthy behaviors you can change. Specifically, four of these health-risk behaviors cause much of the illness, suffering and early death related to chronic diseases and conditions.
- Lack of exercise or physical activity
- Poor nutrition
- Tobacco use
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Lack of Exercise or Physical Activity
In 2011, 52% of adults aged 18 years or older did not meet recommendations for aerobic exercise or physical activity. In addition, 76% did not meet recommendations for muscle-strengthening physical activity.
Poor Nutrition
47% of US adults have at least one of the following major risk factors for heart disease or stroke: uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled high LDL cholesterol, or are current smokers.
In 2011, more than one-third (36%) of adolescents and 38% of adults said they ate fruit less than once a day, while 38% of adolescents and 23% of adults said they ate vegetables less than once a day.
Tobacco Use
More than 42 million adults—close to 1 of every 5—said they currently smoked cigarettes in 2012. Cigarette smoking accounts for more than 480,000 deaths each year.
Every day, more than 3,200 youth younger than 18 years smoke their first cigarette, and another 2,100 youth and young adults who smoke every now and then become daily smokers.
Drinking Excessive Amounts of Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol is responsible for 88,000 deaths each year, more than half of which are due to binge drinking.
About 38 million US adults report binge drinking an average of 4 times a month and have an average of 8 drinks per binge, yet most binge drinkers are not alcohol dependent.
How do I find out if I have a chronic disease?
While chronic diseases can not be cured, their symptoms can often be treated. Catching chronic diseases early can make treatment more effective and cost-efficient.
Chronic diseases, as well as indications of future concerns, can be detected with a few simple tests. Early detection and prevention is preferable and less expensive than intervention!
Be proactive. If you don’t take care of your body where else are you going to live?
Schedule a preventive screening with Star Wellness® today.
Statistics via Center of Disease Control and Prevention
