Kim Griffin
Contributor
Six out of every 10 American adults have a chronic disease. Chronic diseases account for seven of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States and are the leading cause of disability. The COVID-19 pandemic had a direct impact on individuals with chronic diseases increasing their risk for severe illness. The good news, however, is that most chronic conditions can be prevented, managed and delayed by following a healthy lifestyle.
What is a chronic disease?
A chronic disease can be described as a condition that lasts one year or more and requires regular medical attention or limits normal activities or both.
What are some of the most common chronic diseases?
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Chronic lung disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Obesity
How can you prevent and manage chronic diseases?
You can accomplish this by following the healthy lifestyle recommendations below.
- Eat healthy: Proper nutrition is especially important because healthy eating can help manage chronic conditions and prevent complications.
- Stay active: Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your health. Staying active can help prevent and manage chronic conditions and improve the quality of life.
- Avoid smoking: Quitting smoking can lower your risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
- Limit alcohol: Over time, excessive alcohol use can increase your risk for chronic conditions. You can reduce your risk by limiting alcohol intake.
To help address chronic diseases, UF/IFAS Extension in Suwannee County and UF/IFAS Extension in Hamilton County are offering a three-part virtual education series. Each one-hour session will highlight one of three chronic conditions (prediabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure) and provide information on the prevention and management of these conditions. For more information contact Kim Griffin-Suwannee County Extension at (352) 316-6916 or Beth Kerr-Hamilton County Extension at (386) 792-1276.
Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Chronic Diseases. (2022, May). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/index.htm
UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institute.
