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Are you suffering from a chronic medical condition? If not, then at least one person you know, and love surely is. That can be said with certainty because according to a recent CDC survey, 6 in every 10 US citizens are suffering from at least one chronic illness.
Up to 4 of those ten are suffering from more than one chronic disease at a time. With statistics that high, it’s important that you know what chronic diseases pose the greatest potential threat to your safety.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is not only a common chronic disease in our country but one of the leading causes of death for all adults in the U.S. You can lower your risk of heart disease by watching your weight, exercising regularly, and cutting back unhealthy behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol.
Cancer
Cancer can affect any area of the body; sometimes it affects multiple areas at a time. Each type of cancer is different, and while treatment is available, there is no known cure. Americans have an exceptionally high rate of cancer in our society compared to other countries.
Chronic Lung Disease
Chronic lung disease, such as COPD, affects a staggering number of American’s every year. Smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles are the leading causes. There is no cure for chronic lung disease, but it is manageable with lifestyle changes and medication.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when there’s a blood clot in a vessel in the brain. Strokes can vary in intensity, but severe cases can lead to a total lack of independence and day-to-day function. Impaired walking, speech, and cognitive abilities are just a few of the side effects.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is a disease that affects the memory and cognitive function of a patient. Short term memory will gradually decline, making it challenging to lead an independent life. It’s unknown exactly what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but research is ongoing as the number of patients continues to rise.
Diabetes
Diabetes comes in multiple forms. One form is reversible, while the other is not. The disease is managed with lifestyle changes and, in more severe cases, the use of medication to stabilize insulin levels. You may also be diagnosed as pre-diabetic if your body is beginning to show warning signs of the disease.
Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is a disease with high death rates overall. The only real cure for the condition is a kidney transplant, but the number of patients in need of a transplant greatly outnumbers the kidneys being donated. Make sure you’re signed up to be an organ donor, and you could save the life of a chronic kidney disease sufferer!
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