Managing Chronic Disease

According to the 2008 Almanac of Chronic Diseases, chronic diseases are a significant problem in the United States, "accounting for many of the most prevalent and costly illnesses that affect Americans. More than 133 million Americans, or 45 percent of the population, have at least one chronic condition. These conditions include arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular (heart) disease, depression and diabetes, though these are only a few of many chronic illnesses that negatively impact the lives of Americans. Many chronic diseases are caused or exacerbated by poor nutrition, lack of exercise, smoking, and other lifestyle choices."

As a result of these factors, as well as a lack of emphasis on preventive care, incidence rates of chronic disease have increased substantially over the last two decades. Risk factors like obesity are also on the rise. Since 1980, obesity rates have increased 250 percent, now affecting 71 million Americans. This has tremendous implications for future generations; for example, it is predicted that one in three children born in 2000 will develop diabetes over the course of their lives, given current trends in overweight and obesity. 

Not surprisingly, chronic diseases have become the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Seven out of every 10 deaths are attributable to chronic disease, and illnesses like heart disease and cancer top the list of most common causes of death.

People with chronic conditions account for 75% of our national spending on healthcare; for many, the consequences of severe chronic illness are isolation, depression, and physical pain.

Extensive scientific research demonstrates that many of the chronic diseases can be prevented or even treated by adopting a healthy lifestyle:

Leading health organizations recommend adopting lifestyle changes for many of the conditions above, as well as:

Traditionally, the doctor's role has been to diagnose and prescribe, while the patient's role has been to comply with the doctor's orders. This approach may still work for acute problems, but is far less effective in dealing with a chronic health problem. Active involvement in your own care is critical. We feel you need to understand your condition well enough to take some responsibility for its management, and you should be involved in decisions about your treatment. Effective management of a chronic health problem requires a partnership between you and your doctor and/or team of healthcare providers.

The DCIM offers a therapeutic health program to those suffering with chronic health issues who have not gotten relief from traditional care. Discover FirstLine Therapy
 

Resources:

http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/index.htm

Chronic Disease Almanac