Preventing Chronic Disease
Posted on July 1, 2016 by bob in In Every Life
Chronic diseases are those that last 6 months or longer, and because management and treatment is ongoing, are associated with high healthcare costs over a lifetime. Actually, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2010 people with at least one chronic condition incurred 83% of healthcare costs in the U. S. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and type 2 diabetes are currently experienced by increasing numbers of U. S. citizens. In 2010, 48% of all deaths were attributed to heart disease or cancer. Findings suggest that 50% of all adults in the U. S. experienced one chronic condition, while 25% had two or more, with the risk rising with age. The associated healthcare costs increase exponentially with more conditions. Additionally, obesity and arthritis can interfere with activities of daily living, while diabetes can lead to kidney failure, blindness, or lower limb amputation, resulting in changes in quality of life.
Recently, a team of researchers reviewed findings from CDC’s 2013 telephone survey of respondents across the United States, specifically looking at information related to healthy behaviors. The 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) results were obtained from nearly 400,000 adults over age 21 to determine each respondent’s practice of five specific behaviors that have been shown to lower the risk or severity of these chronic diseases.
5 Behaviors to Lower Risk and Severity of Chronic Disease
1) don’t smoke
2) exercise regularly
3) avoid alcohol consumption/drink in moderation
4) maintain healthy weight
5) get adequate sleep
CDC survey results
Number of Health Behaviors
6.3% All 5
23.3% 4
35.4% 3
24.3% 2
8.4% 1
1.4% 0
The 6.3% who reported that they participated in all five behaviors were more likely to be female, older adults, of Asian background, or college graduates. Those who lived in the Pacific or Rocky Mountain areas were more likely than those in the southern U. S. to engage in all five behaviors.
While these findings are based on a sample and not indicative of behaviors of those who did not respond, the analysis does provide a look at what contributes to the so-called “stroke belt” or the “diabetes belt” across southern states. The five behaviors do not have a monetary cost, but do involve personal awareness and daily choices. However, engaging in more of these may reduce risk of chronic conditions.
At this half-year point, consider looking again at your New Year’s resolutions, or think about a summer resolution to add at least one of these to your activities. Perhaps you could add one a month, and build up to all five by the end of the year. The cost is time and determination, but may reap benefits of increased quality of life, and decreased out-of-pocket costs for healthcare across the rest of your life. Perhaps eventually the south will be known as the healthiest region!
Arlene Morris
Arlene H. Morris, EdD, RN, CNE is Professor of Nursing, Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing. Reach her at amorris@aum.edu.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chronic Disease Overview.
http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/
Whiteman, H. (2016). “Few Americans engage in health behaviors that prevent chronic disease.”
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310588.php
