How to prevent chronic disease? - A guide
Having a chronic illness is like going on a journey that is not easy. There might be lots of challenges along the way which is not easy to handle. But so many people face these challenges every day in their life. They are managing their difficulties by showing incredible strength and determination.
Explain what is chronic illness?
Having chronic illness means dealing with a health issue that lasts a really long time. It can usually last for several months or more. Chronic illness can be controlled with appropriate medical attention. Usually, chronic condition cannot be totally cured. This illness can affect various parts of individual's life like emotional feelings and everyday activity. It also includes certain mental health issues like feeling sad or anxious. You can take care of chronic diseases by seeing doctors regularly. It can also be treated by making changes in your lifestyle. Sometimes taking medicine or getting therapy can make you feel better and live well.
It can also affect individual’s daily tasks like using the bathroom or getting dressed. They often require ongoing medical attention. These challenges can also affect your family.
Below are the common chronic diseases:
1) Diabetes
2) Functional gastrointestinal disorder
3) Eczema
4) Heart disease
5) Oral disease
6) Arthritis
7) Stroke
8) Asthma
9) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
10) Autoimmune diseases
11) Genetic disorders
What traits distinguish a chronic illness?
a) Chronic illnesses stick around for a long time, usually lasting a year or even longer.
b) Chronic diseases can come from complex reasons like environment, gene issues, and how you live your life.
c) Chronic illness involves so many risk factors like smoking, poor diet along with genetic and environmental elements.
d) There is a big gap between when a chronic illness starts and when you notice its effects on your body.
e) Chronic disease is a long-term illness that means it lasts for a long time like months or even years.
f) It makes daily tasks like walking, seeing, or remembering difficult to do.
What is the major risk factor of chronic illness?
- Smoking
- Use of alcohol
- Hypertension
- Unhealthy lifestyle choices
- Genetics and family history
- High cholesterol
- Overweight
- High blood sugar
- Physical inactivity
- Underlying risk factors, such as age, sex, level of education, and genetic composition
How to prevent chronic disease?
a) Quitting smoking: Not smoking or quitting reduces the chances of getting serious health.
b) Eating healthy Food: Eating well is really important for staying healthy, no matter how old you are.
c) Doing physical activity: Doing exercises regularly can keep you from getting sick for a long time or help you control illnesses you already have.
d) Not drinking too much alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol for a long time can cause problems like high blood pressure, different types of cancer, heart issues, stroke, and liver damage.
e) Knowing the family history: If your family members have had diseases like cancer, heart problems, diabetes, or weak bones, you might also get them
f) Getting enough sleep: Not sleeping enough can make it more likely for you to get diabetes, heart problems, gain too much weight, or feel really sad.
g) Regular Health Check-ups: Make sure to visit your doctor regularly for check-ups.
How do chronic illness and what changes you need to do every day?
1) Chronic illness often causes physical issues like pain and weakness. It also causes mobility issues to some people.
2) Managing with chronic illness can cause mental impact like stress and depression. The symptoms and treatment managing can affect the overall mental well-being.
3) Chronic illness can also affect the social relationship of individuals. Because of the treatment and symptoms, they may have to limit the social activities.
4) It can also impact an individual’s ability to work. Symptoms like pain and fatigue can affect the job performance leading to reduced productivity.
5) Treating a chronic illness often involves medical expenses. It means doctors’ visits and medication costs. These costs will cause a financial burden on the families.
6) Living with a chronic illness is difficult. It involves uncertainty about the progression of the illness. This uncertainty can lead into fear and worry.
How can we help someone we care about who has chronic disease?
When you hear something sad or see your family and friends having a hard time, it's natural to want to look at things positively.
Individuals have to take their time to know about specific chronic illness. Understanding the symptoms and treatments of the illness will help you offer informed support.
Being a compassionate listener allows your loved ones to express their feelings and fears.
When the person with the illness is sharing their concerns, we should actively listen to them.
It is really important to ask someone directly what they want or need. They may find some tasks difficult to do because of their illness. You have to help out with those things.
You shouldn't give unsolicited advice to people who have chronic illness. Before telling them anything make sure that they are ready to hear the ideas.
Individuals should avoid discrimination against people with illness.
How can you handle a chronic sickness?
a) Learning about the chronic disease is a good way to deal with the condition. Educate yourself about the symptoms of the illness. Learn about its treatment.
b) Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family is really an important step. They can understand and empathize with your experience.
c) Prioritize self-care activities like getting enough sleep and a balanced diet. Engage in activities that bring you joy.
d) To handle the illness, you have to create a positive mindset. Practicing gratitude during this period will help you to stay positive.
e) Consulting a therapist or a counsellor who specializes in chronic illness or pain management. They can provide you emotional support.
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