Chronic diseases are a massive problem for many people, but they don’t have to be. There are some preventative measures that you can take to keep yourself healthy and avoid chronic diseases. Here are suggestions in detail so that you know what to do when it comes time for your next checkup with the doctor.
Get Screened
Getting screened for chronic diseases is an essential part of preventing them. The best way to do this is to be aware of your family history and talk with your doctor about the next steps you should take if your bloodline has health issues.
You can also start getting screened at any age, even as early as puberty or before pregnancy. Screenings for women include mammograms once they reach 40 years old, pap smears every two years after 21. Also, HPV tests every five years between 30-65 depending on sexual history, pelvic exams yearly starting at 20, thyroid screen annually beginning around 45 due to increased risk during childbearing years.
Men might consider prostate screenings beginning at 50 along with a digital rectal exam if over 40, colon cancer checks starting at 50, and cholesterol tests every five years beginning at 35. There are many different types of screenings, so be sure to ask your doctor about the most appropriate ones for you.
You can also do your research online, read MedComp Sciences articles on cancer screening and prevention, or visit the National Cancer Institute website to learn more.
Eat Healthily
A healthy diet can help prevent chronic diseases.
Suppose you want to know the right amount of nutrients your body needs every day. Eating various foods, including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, is essential. It’s also good to cut down on salt intake by avoiding processed food or fast-food as much as possible.
Eating may reduce an individual’s risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD), high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus type II & obesity, which causes different types of cancers besides other chronic illnesses.
It would be helpful to consult with a dietitian/nutritionist who can provide tailored advice for all age groups and genders according to their overall health condition and lifestyle habits such as eating time and physical activity level.
Avoid Smoking and Heavy Drinking
Two of the worst bad habits that will destroy your body in the long run are smoking and heavy drinking. Respiratory issues are the biggest risk for smokers, while liver disease is the biggest danger for heavy drinkers – however there are many other chronic diseases that can spawn from these bad habits.
Quitting either one is not easy and many people require professional help. With smoking there are options such as hypnotherapy that can be worth trying. If you are a heavy drinker and cannot go through the day without some alcohol, you could also consider looking into therapy options or support groups. Residential addiction treatment could be an option for those who want to give up alcohol and have tried many other methods. The earlier you break the habit, the more damage you can prevent.
Get Regular Physical Activity
Getting regular physical activity is a great way to help prevent chronic diseases.
According to the CDC, adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and muscle-strengthening activities. On two or more days a week that works all major muscles (legs, hips, back, chest, abdomen) as well as bones in your upper body.
If you cannot meet these guidelines through exercise alone because of time constraints or physical limitations like health conditions or injuries, try other alternatives such as cleaning the house or shopping with friends/family members, which will still benefit you. You may also consider walking instead if it is easier for you and meets these guidelines.
Conclusion
Preventing chronic diseases can seem challenging, but you can significantly reduce your risk by following these simple guidelines. Eat healthily, get screened, get regular physical activity, hydrate, get adequate sleep and avoid drinking alcohol and smoking are all excellent ways to keep yourself healthy. Taking these precautions can help safeguard your health for years to come.
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[…] expressly designed to assess women’s health, while others are for detecting and addressing illnesses. It’s critical to complete these screenings to ensure maximum health. Here are a few worth […]