Did you know that, in England, approximately fifteen million people have long-term medical conditions? That stat may not surprise you, but what might is the fact that many of these conditions are preventable. That’s right, by making some lifestyle changes and paying attention to early warning signs, you can nip many chronic health conditions in the bud before they ever have a chance to develop.
So, what are some of the most common health conditions? And more importantly, what can you do to prevent them? Keep reading to find out.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the most common health conditions in the world and one of the deadliest. There are several types of heart disease, but they all involve a buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. However, there are several ways you can reduce your risk for heart disease
First, get moving! Exercise is key to maintaining heart health, so make time for daily physical activity. You should also work on reducing your stress levels, which can significantly impact your heart health.
Also, don’t smoke, and ensure you eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, managing those conditions is essential since they can increase your risk for heart disease.
Cancer
Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control. There are many types of cancer, but some of the most common include breast, lung, colon, and skin cancer.
As with heart disease, there are lifestyle choices you can make to help prevent cancer, such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding too much sun exposure. It’s also important to get regular screenings for certain types of cancer so any abnormalities can be caught early and treated accordingly.
Did you know that, when it comes to cancer cases, 30-50% are preventable? For example, skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and one of the most preventable. You can dramatically reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by simply avoiding prolonged exposure to UV radiation, wearing sunscreen, and getting regular skin check-ups.
Similarly, lung cancer is another type of cancer that is largely preventable. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, so quitting or avoiding smoking altogether is the best way to lower your risk.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when there is too much sugar (glucose) in the blood.
Diabetes is a condition caused by extreme levels of glucose or sugar in the blood. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, and there are people who don’t produce enough insulin and people whose bodies don’t respond appropriately to the hormone.
There are two main types of diabetes—Type 1 and Type 2—and while Type 1 used to be known as juvenile diabetes because it typically occurred in children or young adults, scientists now know that it can occur at any age. Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset diabetes because it typically occurred later in life; however, scientists now know that it can also happen at any age.
Diabetes is often preventable by eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing it (e.g., if you have a family history of diabetes), it’s essential to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and take steps to keep them under control.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term for conditions affecting joints and surrounding tissues. Some of the most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis (the wear-and-tear kind that often comes with aging), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder that causes swelling and pain), and gout (a type of arthritis that results from too much uric acid in the bloodstream).
Arthritis can often be treated with medication, physical therapy, exercise, and weight loss (if necessary). In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct joint damage.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition that results in an abnormal curvature of the spine. While it can occur in people of any age, it most often appears during adolescence. Several risk factors for scoliosis have been identified, including family history and certain medical conditions.
Scoliosis can lead to pain and deformity and can impact a person’s ability to breathe correctly. In severe cases, scoliosis may require surgery to correct the spinal deformity. However, many nonsurgical treatments, including bracing and physical therapy, can effectively manage scoliosis. A scoliosis therapist can develop a customized treatment plan that may help to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
While there is no surefire way to prevent scoliosis, there are some steps that can be taken to decrease the likelihood of developing the condition. First and foremost, it is important to maintain good posture and alignment. This means sitting up straight, keeping the shoulders squared, and avoiding hunching over. Additionally, regular exercise can help to strengthen the muscles that support the spine, which may help to reduce the risk of scoliosis.
As you can see, many chronic health conditions are preventable with some lifestyle changes. So if you’re looking to improve your health and reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease, start by paying attention to your diet, fitness routine, and overall wellness. And remember—if something doesn’t feel right or you’re experiencing unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor!
