Getting Some Clarification On Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases include ailments that are slow progressing and of long duration, such as Cancer, Chronic Respiratory Disease, Heart Disease, Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis. The biggest killers in America are Chronic Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke, Chronic Respiratory Disease and Diabetes. The prolonged suffering can be a tremendous financial burden for millions of Americans and more often that not, the only real “cure” is lifestyle modification and medication to relieve some of the most painful symptoms.
One of the most painful and debilitating chronic diseases is Arthritis, which includes over 100 inflammatory diseases affecting the joints and connective tissues. Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Juvenile Arthritis, Gout and Carpal Tunnel Disease are some of the diseases that afflict 46 million adults. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States and represents over $80 billion in medical costs, so it’s important to take steps to reduce the risk.
Those who are most at risk include women (60% of all cases), the elderly (half of all cases), the obese and those who work in sports or repetitive motion occupations. According to a recent study, the Arthritis Foundation Self Help Program reduces Rheumatoid Arthritic pain by 20% and reduces physician visits by 40%. This small group education course offers physical exercises, which can reduce function decline by up to 41% or disability by 47%, weight loss programs that reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis by 50%, as well as nutritional advice. Participants in the program can also learn about physical therapy, medications and joint replacement therapy options that can help them live a long and robust life.
Obesity is a leading cause of many different chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 Diabetes, Cancer and Osteoarthritis. The obesity rate in the United States has tripled over the last thirty years and costs Americans $117 billion each year. Poor nutrition and physical inactivity are the major causes for obesity, and while some cases are believed to be genetically linked, most of these cases are reversible through rigorous training regardless. Programs like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig can help overweight individuals get the boost they need to start eating a more balanced diet, while aquatic therapy provides a low-impact way to work out, even if the individual suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Chronic diseases are something that every American fears. The idea of being bed ridden or visiting the physician time and time again can be intimidating, especially when one considers the health care costs associated with a long-term disease. The worst part is in knowing that many cases are preventable through simple lifestyle modifications. It seems the natural human urge is to “live my life how I want,” but now we’re seeing the drawbacks to such a stubborn philosophy. Even if you are already suffering, habitual changes can tack on many more years and allow you greater satisfaction in life.
