Chronic Disease Prevention
Do you know what chronic diseases are? It is a health condition that is persistent and long lasting. Once started, usually they continue throughout life. Chronic diseases heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, respiratory conditions, and arthritis have long been the leading causes of death and disability. There are risk factors associated with many chronic diseases. Healthy choices, and controlling risk factors-improve quality of life. For example, the risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and lung cancer can be reduced by smoking cessation.. Balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoid alcohol, screening minimize the risk of chronic disease.
Early detection methods
A number of methods are used for early detection of chronic diseases. Screening tests, biomarkers, genetic testing, imaging tests, self-exams, lifestyle assessments, electronic health records are the examples.
Risk factors for chronic diseases
There are 2 types of risk factors either modifiable or non-modifiable. Non-Modifiable risk factors include age, gender, family history, ethnicity, autoimmune disease. Modifiable risk factors include obesity, chemical exposure, diet/nutrition, lifestyle, smoking and alcohol.
Preventive healthcare strategies
Strategies that help to prevent development of chronic disease include Smoking cessation, balanced diet including vegetables, whole grain, low-protein diet, physical activity, alcohol prohibition. Regular checkups and screening.
Lifestyle interventions for disease prevention
Basic principle for lifestyle modification is Avoid refined and processed food and do regular physical activity. (Exercise) Mediterranean diet including vegetables, Fruits, Legumes, Whole grains, fish, olive and nuts. can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Physical activity, sleep, stress relief, meditation are other lifestyle interventions for disease prevention. Studies show Insufficient sleep may lead to development and poor management of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression.
Screening for chronic illness
Screening tests are used to check early disease conditions, un-recognized conditions or disease factors. For example, colonoscopy is a colon screening method. In some countries like Singapore screening of cancers (cervical, breast, colon cancer), diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity are provided at government level. Cervical cancer screening can be done through Pap test for early cancer stage. Low dose computed tomography is done for lung cancer screening in heavy smokers. Routine Physical assessment is done for breast cancer screening.
Having a chronic illness will crack you wide open and reveal the depths of your resilience, power of your spirit, and the beauty of your vulnerability.
Health promotion for disease prevention
The focus is to keep people healthy! Adopting healthy behaviors towards life and making changes to reduce risk of developing chronic diseases. Strategies for disease control and health prevention. Communication strategies i.e. public service announcements, health fairs, mass media Campaigns, and newsletters. Health education includes courses, training, and support groups. Improved laws, rules, and regulations (policy), functional organizational components (systems), and economic, social, or physical environment are other important factors in disease prevention.
Identifying early signs of chronic diseases
Early signs depend on specific conditions. Some common symptoms may occur but they don’t necessarily indicate chronic states, they can be as a result of any acute illness, however if they are persistent then chronic disease state should be considered.
Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight variation
- Frequent infections
- Chronic pain in body parts
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Persistent cough or trouble breathing
- Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening, or redness Swelling, puffiness, or fluid retention
- Loss of appetite or changes in taste
Disease prevention through nutrition
“The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease”-Voltaire
The body requires carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to maintain healthy organs, bones, muscles, and nerves, and to produce hormones and chemicals that are necessary for the proper function of organs. Healthy diet prevents loss of muscle strength, bone mass, and vitamin deficiency states; diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, obesity, osteoporosis, and certain cancers It helps to control and/or treat chronic diseases and conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, and celiac disease. Healthy diet includes: Vegetablesbeans, peas, and lentils; starchy; and other vegetables. Fruits, Grainsmostly whole grain. Dairy products -fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese, and/or lactose-free versions and fortified soy beverages. Proteins- meats, poultry, and eggs, seafood, beans, peas, lentils and nuts, seeds, and soy products. Oils, including vegetable oils and oils present in foods (seafood and nuts) nutrition
Exercise for disease prevention
Some benefits of exercise are underrated. Exercise helps to relieve stress and anxiety, improved functional mobility, increased energy levels, and sleep cycle improvement. Exercise helps prevent chronic conditions like osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease, depression, weakness.
Regular health checkups
Regular health checkup in populations (especially elderly or individuals with family history) prone to specific diseases will help in early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Genetic factors for chronic disease
Genetic factors may not always be responsible for developing chronic disease however they do play a role in development of diseases.
Importance of early diagnosis
Early diagnosis helps in early and effective treatment!
Preventive measures for heart disease
To prevent heart disease one should maintain a strict check and balance on his/her blood cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, lifestyle measures.
Cancer prevention and detection strategies
Risk factors for cancer include alcohol use, family history, Human papillomavirus (HPV), obesity, tobacco, adverse childhood experiences. Vaccines (shots) also help lower cancer risk. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent most cervical cancers and several other kinds of cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine can help lower liver cancer risk. Getting screening tests regularly help detect breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancers early. Lung cancer screening is also suggested for patients. Healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, limiting the amount of alcohol are other preventive measures.
Diabetes prevention and early detection
Early signs of diabetes includes; 3Ps Polyuria-increased urination Polyphagia-increased appetite Polydipsia-increased thirst. Other signs include; Blurred vision Extreme fatigue Unintended weight loss. One way of preventing disease is worth fifty ways of curing it.- Trevor Howard
Author:
Dr. Sahar RPh/CCRP/CHPE/PGCPC
