Knowledge is power with chronic disease

Chronic diseases affect three in four adults and cause 70% of deaths in the United States. The good news is that many people can live full lives with chronic conditions, when managed appropriately, and there are ways to reduce your risk.

“Chronic diseases are health issues that last a year or longer, and I’ve seen the impact these concerns can have on my patients and their loved ones,” said Eric Knabel, DO, IU Health Family Medicine physician.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the three leading causes of death and disability in the nation are heart disease, cancer and diabetes—all of which are chronic diseases.

“Some risk factors we know can increase the likelihood of someone getting a chronic disease include smoking cigarettes, poor nutrition, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use,” said Dr. Knabel. “That’s why it’s so important to not smoke or quit smoking, eat a balanced and nutritious diet, exercise regularly and limit how much alcohol you drink.”

Taking care of your teeth and getting enough quality sleep are two more health-focused steps you can address in your daily life.

“Take steps today to avoid problems tomorrow,” he encouraged. “For example, long-term lifestyle changes including increased physical activity and healthier eating habits can lessen the risk of chronic health issues like arthritis and dementia later on in life.”

Dr. Knabel explained that primary care physicians regularly work with their patients to identify and address risk factors, which can help both short- and long-term health outcomes.

The doctor also shared that individuals can have higher risk for chronic diseases due to genetics. Knowing your family health history and having annual primary care appointments can help doctors keep an eye on these concerns so they can be addressed as early as possible if they do occur.

“Some people are also at higher risk because of where they are born, live, work or their age,” said Dr. Knabel. “For example, some of our rural communities may find it challenging to get preventative screenings or specialist follow-up care due to how far they live from the medical care they need.”

Access to fresh fruits and vegetables or safe spaces where people can be active are two other examples of non-medical issues that may contribute to an increased risk of chronic disease.

“Chronic Disease Day is recognized on July 10 because seven out of 10 deaths in the United States are caused by chronic diseases every year,” said Dr. Knabel. “Some diseases can go into remission or be cured, while others need to be managed for the rest of a person’s life. In those instances, it’s important to work with your primary care physician to manage daily symptoms alongside treatment regimens so you can live as full of a life as possible.”

If you don’t have a primary care physician, please visit iuhealth.org/primary care and search for your nearest primary care physician or advanced practice provider.