Emed News Wednesday, February 24, 2010   Chronic Disease Causes and Prevention A chronic disease is a disease that persists over a long period. The symptoms of chronic disease are sometimes less severe than those of the acute phase of the same disease. Chronic disease may be progressive, result in complete or partial disability, or even lead to death. Examples of chronic disease include diabetes mellitus, emphysema, and arthritis. Four Common Causes of Chronic Disease Four modifiable health risk behaviors responsible for much of the illness, suffering, and early death related to chronic diseases. Lack of physical activity Poor nutrition Tobacco use Excessive alcohol consumption Chronic Disease is a killer and a leading cause of diminished quality of life among residents in Clark County. Chronic diseases are among the most common and costly of all health conditions, such as Cardiovascular Disease Cancer Diabetes 8 Ways to Prevent Chronic Disease Reduce all of your risk factors for chronic disease. People often think if they quit smoking, they can still be overweight. Or if they reduce their cholesterol, they can be a couch potato. Find out the risk factors for the disease that runs in your family, and chip away at each and every one of them. Every risk factor is related to chronic inflammation, so until you get rid of all of them, you still live with that chief disease-causing culprit. Exercise. Exercise fads are frustrating, because their promoters sell people on the idea that they need to try every new time-consuming, expensive trend that comes along. To prevent chronic disease, find something you love to do, like dancing, walking, or gardening, and do it with a passion. Mind, spirit, and positive attitude. Happy and hopeful people are generally healthier and longer-lived than the perennially depressed, angry, fearful, and pessimistic. To prevent chronic disease, pursue activities and people that lift your spirits! Adequate rest. Many biochemical reactions that occur during rest are necessary for both physical and mental health. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a shorter lifespan, and is associated with chronic increased inflammation. Between seven and eight hours appears to be best for the majority of adults. Good medical care. Become a more resolute and informed participant in your own health care. Get regular checkups. To prevent chronic disease, find a physician who values preventive medicine. Good macronutrition. Good macronutrition consists of eating the right types and percentages of the nutrients that make up most of our nutritional intake by weight carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Ideally, your range should be 45-65% carbohydrates, 20-35% fats, and 10-35% proteins. Good micronutrition. To prevent chronic disease, make sure you get enough micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients (active nutrients found in plants, such as lycopene). A vast body of research clearly points to the need for supplementation for virtually everyone living in the developed world. Healthy environment, good hygiene. Take measures to avoid air pollution outside and inside your home and office and unhealthy water. To prevent chronic disease, keep your body clean, and practice monogamy and safe sex.   posted by emedinfo @9:40 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     << Home

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