World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April each year. The date of celebration was declared by WHO in 1948 to address health challenges globally. What better day to discuss chronic health conditions and their management than World Health Day?
Health experts understand the struggle associated with chronic conditions. When not managed properly, they may significantly impact an individual’s life, making it hard to stay healthy.
Fortunately, there are ways of managing chronic conditions. Adopting certain lifestyle choices is an excellent option for preventing chronic conditions. Several supplements, like Satvam Nutrition, are available to manage joint, heart, diabetes, and other health concerns.
Find below key tips to prevent and manage several chronic illnesses.
What Are Chronic Conditions?
A chronic condition is any illness that lasts for a year or more. It requires frequent medical attention and may restrict specific activities in your daily life. Common chronic illnesses include:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Stroke
- Lung cancer
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Oral disease
- Chronic kidney disease
Here are a few risk factors associated with them -
- Tobacco usage and secondhand smoke exposure
- Reduced physical activity
- Poor nutrition with high saturated fats and fewer fruits and vegetables
- Excess alcohol
Chronic diseases usually need ongoing management. Some, like stroke and heart disease, can be life-threatening right away. Others, like diabetes, require constant and careful attention over time. Key characteristics of chronic illnesses are -
- Long latency periods
- Complex causes
- Functional disability or impairment
- A long illness
Dealing with chronic diseases can be stressful. Speak to healthcare experts and convey your concerns for overall well being.
Prevalence of Chronic Conditions and Long-Term Illnesses
A leading cause of premature death and disability in elderly people is chronic illness. Around 21% elderly population in India are diagnosed with at least one chronic condition. Hypertension and diabetes are behind 68% of all chronic diseases.
Research has shown that people who live alone, rely on others for financial support, and come from wealthy backgrounds are at a higher risk of developing chronic illnesses. Also, urban residents have a 1.15 times higher probability of experiencing these conditions than those living in rural areas.
80% of deaths today are due to chronic ailments in low and middle-income countries. Unplanned urbanization, social changes and unhealthy lifestyles are key factors behind the increase. Chronic illness is an ongoing reason for ill health that limits how people live their lives.
Global Impact Of Chronic Conditions
Did you know that one-third of adults worldwide suffer from multiple chronic diseases? Some of these conditions can be interrelated. For example, individuals with depression may also be at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease or stroke. Here are some quick global facts about chronic illnesses that you may find useful:
- Both men and women experience similar death and disease burden rates, which tend to increase with age.
- People under the age of 70 account for around 86% of the overall burden of chronic diseases and 45% of chronic disease deaths.
- Chronic illnesses are a leading cause of death across all WHO regions except for Africa.
- Chronic death rates are higher in low and middle-income countries as compared to high-income ones.
Tips for Managing Chronic Conditions
Managing a chronic disease can be challenging, but there are ways to make the journey smoother and improve your overall health. Here are some simple yet powerful tips to help you on your path to wellness:
Dietary Adjustment
When you have a chronic condition, your diet plays a crucial role in managing symptoms. Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as orange squash, spinach, and berries, can help a lot.
Avoid pre-packaged meals, as they usually contain high levels of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Instead, choose a healthy homemade meal to ensure that you get the right nutrients for your body.
You can also add supplements like Satvam Nutrition Advanced Diabetes Care Supplement to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Taking the right supplements helps alleviate chronic symptoms and improve overall health.
Since chronic illnesses weaken the immune system, supplements like the Satvam Advanced Joint Care Supplement can help and make you less susceptible. However, it is recommended to consult a professional health expert before adding it to your daily regime.
Consuming adequate water is vital advice for a healthy body. Ensure optimal daily water intake for enhancing organ functions, high energy, and improved digestion.
Adequate Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for people fighting chronic diseases. Low-impact exercises can help fight these conditions and reduce or eliminate chronic pain. Exercise can also prevent long-lasting conditions and greatly improve your quality of life.
Just remember to tailor your workouts to your specific conditions. For instance, if you have diabetes, choose exercises that will lower your blood sugar. If you have arthritis, take a hot shower before working out to alleviate pain.
Managing Stress
Stress affects everyone, but those with chronic diseases experience more stress due to pain and fatigue. It's important to practice soothing techniques.
Be kind to yourself and don't feel guilty for saying "no" to certain activities. Try the conscious yawning exercise or 4-7-8 breathing to reduce stress - they increase oxygen in the body.
Routine Health Check-Ups
Opting for routine health checkups can be highly effective when managing chronic diseases. You don’t need to visit a doctor when your symptoms reach a peak, or you are in severe pain. Routine checkups help identify signs early on and plan accordingly.
Consult your health expert even when you are feeling entirely healthy. They will assess your lifestyle and recommend improvements as needed.
Consistent Treatment Plan
Managing a chronic disease can be daunting, but staying consistent with the treatment plan is the key to success. To make things simpler, try to incorporate things in your daily routine that work for you. Avoid trying too many new things at once, as they can become overwhelming.
If you have a busy schedule, set reminders for your daily tasks. You can make use of notes, calendars, or any other tools that work for you. This will ensure that you don't miss important tasks like going for a walk or drinking enough water.
Tracking your progress can also keep you motivated. You can maintain a journal to record your milestones and achievements. For instance, if you manage to avoid processed foods for a month, make a note of it. This will help you to celebrate your success and inspire you to achieve more.
Managing chronic diseases is a challenge but not impossible. With the right mindset and plan, it can show significant results. Following the above tips will truly make a difference.
Conclusion
The integration of remote patient monitoring and telehealth has revolutionized the healthcare sector. The demand for digitalized health services has increased in hospitals, clinics, patients, etc. A hybrid care model is expected to be central to managing chronic illnesses.
Wellness supplements like Satvam Nutrition are another crucial development for health management. You can try various supplements for different chronic conditions, such as piles, arthritis, and stroke.
Satvam Advanced Heart Care Supplement can promote healthy cardiac functions. Satvam Nutrition offers organic supplements made from plant-based ingredients. It helps enrich lives and promotes holistic well-being.
