Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases form one of the main health concerns in the modern world as diseases greatly contribute to the destruction of body organs. They are mainly initiated by poor lifestyle witnessed among many people. These diseases normally last for a period of three or more months and they neither have cure nor vaccination. Nevertheless, exposure to chronic diseases can be minimized through the adoption of healthy lifestyles such as engagement in regular exercise and healthy eating. Despite these diseases being most common among the elderly population, it is also an emerging health issue to all individuals regardless of age. Examples of chronic diseases include cancer, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and hypertension. As a result of chronic diseases prevalence, this literature describes the disease possible causing risks and the most appropriate ways of reducing the risks from a personal perspective.
Genetic history is widely considered as a key factor in determining the level of risks towards being diagnosed with a chronic disease. From a personal perspective, my both blood and extended family has no positive history of any chronic disease hence eliminating the genetic factor as causing a risk to the disease. However, to minimize the chances of contracting any of the chronic diseases, it is of great significance for individuals to determine their genetic history concerning the disease (Strong et al, 2005). For individuals who possess positive genetic history to the disease, it is safer to disclose the information to a specialized doctor early enough before witnessing any symptom of the disease since these individuals have higher risks of contracting the disease. This measure aids in preventing and catching up with the disease during its early stages.
Additionally, lifestyle is also a crucial risk factor in contracting chronic diseases. I consider my diet to be healthy as I eat less of junk and fatty foods. Nevertheless, I eat twice a day and exercise once a week. Despite my efforts in diet regulation, it is of great importance to consume less of foods and drinks that are rich in both sugar and fats to avoid excess weight. Moreover, less salt consumption is also advised to aid in the prevention of high blood pressure as a causing risk for cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, consumption of drugs and tobacco significantly contributes to the development of cancer-related diseases. According to Boeing et al, (2012), it is advisable to avoid consumption of drugs and instead people should consume more fruits, vegetables and water.
The exercise eventually crowns all efforts relating to diet. Engaging in body activities or exercise at least thrice a week contributes a lot in balancing body energy expenditure hence an important tool for controlling body weight. Exercise as a bodyweight control factor helps in the direct prevention of obesity and cardiovascular-related diseases. Exercise as physical activity is the main health risk not only to me but to the entire global population with urban population and the elderly being the most affected. This, therefore, calls for more personal responsibility in achieving the healthy targets of physical activity as a determinant of good health and realization of maximum benefits out of a good diet.
Presently, I consider myself to be healthy with no confirmation of any symptom relating to hypertension, overweight, obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle diseases. I can attach this achievement to my little efforts in diet and physical activities. Nevertheless, I aim at improving the frequency of engaging in exercise to at least thrice a week and do more walking. Additionally, besides my drug-free and less salt diet, I will immediately incorporate more nutrient and vitamin-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits in my diet structure to extremely reduce my risks to chronic diseases.
In conclusion, chronic disease has become a common life taking health concern in our highly industrializing world. To limit the number of deaths associated with these lifestyle diseases, we need to promote awareness relating to healthy lifestyle habits such as healthy eating, regular body exercise, limitation of drug consumption and stress-causing engagements.
References
Boeing, H., Bechthold, A., Bub, A., Ellinger, S., Haller, D., Kroke, A., … & Stehle, P. (2012). Critical review: vegetables and fruit in the prevention of chronic diseases. European journal of nutrition, 51(6), 637-663.
Strong, K., Mathers, C., Leeder, S., & Beaglehole, R. (2005). Preventing chronic diseases: how many lives can we save?. The Lancet, 366(9496), 1578-1582.