What Are Chronic Diseases?

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chronic diseases affecting 25 million Americans account for 70% of the deaths each year. However, many people live with conditions like type 2 Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer, and Chronic Heart Disease for many years. Pain management and financial security are two major concerns for people who suffer the costly burden of these diseases. In addition to full-blown diseases, the CDC estimates that 133 million people (half of all Americans) live with at least one chronic condition, including Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and obesity. While the cures are still being developed, prevention is still the ideal solution. For those with the disease already, lifestyle modifications, such as eating healthy, exercising, quitting smoking and sleeping well are their best defenses.

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.

One in five deaths is attributed to Cancer in the US. The development of this chronic disease is still somewhat of a mystery to health experts, yet it is widely believed that agents like tobacco, sunlight, x-rays and chemicals may contribute to Cancer. The majority of cases are said to be linked to lifestyle habits. For instance, the use of tobacco accounts for 30% of all cancer cases and an additional 30% is said to be caused by a poor diet. Skin cancer is the most common type across all genders. Adult males most commonly suffer from prostate, lung and colon cancers, while women suffer from breast, lung and colon cancers. Often, these cancerous, chronic diseases spread from the primary site to affect the brain and liver as well. There are many cancer fighting strategies, which include the avoidance of smoking and second hand smoke; avoiding direct sunlight without sunblock; eating a diet packed with fruits, veggies and whole grains; avoiding smoked foods, salty meat and pickled foods; exercising 3-5 days per week; knowing your family history; limiting your exposure to toxic chemicals; practicing safe sex; and keeping up on screenings like pap smears, mammograms and DREs.

Many Americans also live with chronic conditions, such as Chronic Fatigue and other sleep disorders, or pain disorders like Fibromyalgia. The good news is that chronic conditions, unlike chronic diseases, can often be mitigated or cured before they take your life. Many doctors recommend sleeping pills or hypno-therapy to help individuals get a good night's rest. Not getting enough rest is the leading contributor to Fibromyalgia (a mysterious widespread pain disorder) and creates a weaker immune system, which may lead to cancers and other problems. Exercising and eating well are critical to proper bodily functioning too. It's best to find out what's preventing you from getting a good night's rest and tackle that small inconvenience before it becomes a life-threatening condition.