- Diabetes: How many American people have diabetes? Roughly 8 precent of the population has some form of diabetes. Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar is too high. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can cause significant damage to almost every organ system of the body. Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure, blindness and amputation. It is one of the fastest growth chronic health problems in the United States. The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight, avoid sugary, processed foods, and exercise regularly.
- Heart Disease: Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Although family history can play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease, lifestyle choices play a significant role in this chronic health problem. Patients can reduce their risk of this condition by improving their diet, losing weight and exercising.
- Obesity: Obesity contributes to numerous health problems including diabetes, stroke and heart disease. It also raises the risk for many different types of cancer and for stroke. It is no secret that obesity is another growing problem within the United States.
Chronic health conditions cause significant problems such as chronic pain, loss of function, financial instability and personal problems. Many people fear that they will get cancer or another deadly disease but very few take the steps to truly get healthy. The best way to avoid being plagued by health problems such as type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease and various types of cancer is to quit smoking, start exercising, stick to a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. These tasks are not always easy to do, but starting with small and easy changes can pave the way to bigger changes. Taking the slow road to getting healthy often means that the change is less shocking and patients have a better chance of lasting success!