Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living, or both. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. They are also leading drivers of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual health care costs.
Many chronic diseases are caused or influenced by a list of risk behaviors, but they are largely preventable. By practicing these healthy behaviors and making healthy choices, you can improve your odds of staying well, feeling good, living longer, and improving your quality of life.
Risk Behaviors and Keys to Prevention
Changes to risk factor behaviors and key prevention activities listed below can help you prevent, delay, or manage your chronic diseases.
Risk Behaviors
- Tobacco use and exposure.
Stopping smoking (or never starting in the first place) lowers your risk of developing serious health problems, as well as premature death. - Poor nutrition.
Poor nutrition is another behavior that can significantly impact chronic disease. A balanced, healthy dietary pattern includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products and limits added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. - Physical inactivity.
Aim for moderate-intensity physical activity (like brisk walking or gardening) for at least 150 minutes a week, with muscle-strengthening activities 2 days a week. - Excessive alcohol use.
Over time, excessive drinking can lead to elevated risk of numerous chronic diseases. By not drinking too much, you can reduce these health risks.
Keys to Prevention
- Get Screened.
To prevent chronic diseases or catch them early, visit your doctor and dentist regularly for preventive services. - Take care of your teeth.
Oral diseases, which can range from cavities and gum disease to oral cancer, cause pain and disability for millions. To help prevent them, drink fluoridated water, brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, floss, and visit your dentist regularly. - Get enough sleep.
Insufficient sleep has been linked to the development and poor management of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression. Adults should get at least 7 hours of quality sleep daily. - Know your family history.
If you have a family history of any chronic disease (including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis) you may be more likely to develop that disease yourself. Share your family health history with your doctor, who can help you take steps to prevent these conditions or catch them early.
Reference
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
