All over the world, the leading cause of most deaths is chronic illnesses, as detailed by the World Health Organization. One can, however, reduce the risk of diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancers. And one way is by embracing a healthy lifestyle.
Chronic diseases share common risk factors that are associated with our everyday choices. One example of a risk factor is smoking. Unhealthy eating is another, which is the primary cause of obesity. Obesity leads to a high risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. Smoking, too, is another lifestyle choice known to cause lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The only way we can reduce the risk of these lifestyle diseases is by adopting healthier ways of living.
Ways of Reducing the Risk of Chronic Disease
Quit Smoking
8 Ways To Prevent Chronic Disease
Tobacco in cigarettes is a significant cause of lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. One can reduce the risk of these diseases by quitting smoking. Another way is avoiding second-hand smoke, if possible.
Eat Healthily
Eating healthy helps to prevent and manage major chronic illnesses such as heart disease and type two diabetes. You can live a healthier life by ensuring that your diet is balanced with fruits, vegetables, and proteins. A balanced diet will also lower your cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Control Your Blood Pressure
Keeping a proper check on your blood pressure and ensuring you take any prescribed treatment can prevent the hardening of your arteries and other issues such as artery tears. Technology has enabled the introduction of personal blood pressure check kits you can use in the comfort of your home. You can also have your blood pressure checked at any clinic near you.
Exercise or be Active Every Day
8 Ways To Prevent Chronic Disease
People who spend most of their time in sedentary activities are at a higher risk of developing chronic illnesses than their active counterparts. Your body’s muscles and heart are kept in their best shape when you engage in daily exercise. Add to this, you will also be more easily able to maintain healthy body weight when being active. A health care provider can help you come up with an exercise plan depending on your current situation.
Go for Regular Screening
Most chronic conditions are easily manageable when detected in their early stages. Hence, the need to report any new symptoms to your doctor. If discovered at an early stage, some cancers can be cured relatively easily. Unfortunately, a lot of people only seek help when the disease is at a more advanced stage when treatment is much more difficult.
Reduce Stress
There are many daily challenges in this life, but it is crucial to have some relaxing time. Stress can raise your blood pressure and lead to heart disease. Finding your free time to have fun with family or friends will also help you avoid other mental health issues such as depression.
Avoid too Much Alcohol
Prolonged excessive drinking can put you at the risk of developing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and some cancers. Furthermore, alcohol has a high-calorie content. Avoiding drinking can also help you in managing any weight problems.
Mitigating Genetic Predispositions
Genetic predisposition is the increase in the possibility of developing a disease based on your genetic composition. The cause of genetic predisposition is the genetic variations that we inherit from our parents. However, it is essential to note that having a genetic predisposition for certain conditions only increases the likelihood of you developing a disease but cannot cause it. The susceptibility to chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, has no remedy because there is no way one can alter their genetic makeup. People with a genetic predisposition are therefore left with lifestyle change as the only way to reduce the risk of developing such illnesses.
Ways To Prevent Chronic Disease
The risk of developing diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers may be prevented. And one significant factor is embracing a healthy lifestyle. The change to healthy living is very much possible as it only takes discipline and the wanting to enjoy a fruitful life minus any chronic disease. Opt for that. It will definitely give you great favor.
thank you momi for sharing , dami kong natutunan for a healthy life style , im happy na naitigil ko na ang pag smoke ko and unti untiin ko na ang pag kain namin ng healthy food less prito na gagawin ko and more on gulay and fruits thank you momi for this article
The problem was having is that I enjoy smoking and don’t want to give up! Have tried twice before and nearly went crazy and don’t want to go through that again. I saw the fear in my husband and children’s eyes when I told them about my condition then they start to find solution on their own to help my condition.I am an 59 now who was diagnose COPD emphysema which I know was from my years of smoking. I started smoking in school when smoking was socially acceptable. I remember when smoking was permitted in hospitals. It was not known then how dangerous cigarettes were for us, and it seemed everybody smoked but i was able to get rid of my COPD lung condition through the help of total cure herbal foundation my husband bought, totalcureherbsfoundation .c om has the right herbal formula to help you get rid and repair any lung conditions and cure you totally with their natural organic herbs. I wish anybody who starts smoking at a young age would realize what will eventually happen to their bodies if they continue that vile habit throughout their life.