Chronic Diseases: Preventable Tips

July is Chronic Disease Month. This month is dedicated to spreading awareness about chronic diseases. There are many forms of diseases, but a chronic disease is a disease that lasts longer than a year. According to the CDC, 7 out of 10 people suffer from some form of chronic disease. Some common chronic diseases include:

ALS

Alzheimer’s/ Dementia

Diabetes

HeartDisease

COPD(Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Fibromyalgia

Lupus

Cancers

The Chronic Disease Coalition states that chronic diseases affect 133 million Americans nation wide and many of those are living with more than one chronic disease. Unfortunately, not all chronic diseases can be prevented. But, there are steps that you can take to help.

Eating a healthy diet
A tale as old as time, but keeping up with a healthy diet can keep your health in as best shape as possible. Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein is the ideal diet to aim for.

Exercise

Exercising benefits your physical health as well as your mental health. Creating a habit of exercise can keep obesity low, reduce the risk of heart disease and keep or improve strength in muscles and bones.

Routine Medical Check ups

Visiting your doctor(s) regularly will help prevent any disease that may occur. Routine check ups can find early symptoms of certain diseases like cancer.

Know Your Family Medical History

This is a good indicator of what you may or may not to expect in regards of your health and what could be hereditary or not.

Rest

Not getting enough rest isn’t beneficial to your health. Stress and depression effects your health and can cause serious health problems, as well.

More information on the importance of this month on The Chronic Disease Coalition website, found here.