Debunking Myths About Chronic Conditions
Blue Daily
| 3 min read
By age 65, 90% of American adults will likely at least one chronic condition according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that can be controlled - but not cured. Which means once you are diagnosed with a chronic condition, you'll likely be managing it for a long time. That makes chronic conditions not just a health issue for families, but an economic issue.
Every year Americans spend $4.9 trillion on health care, and chronic conditions are the top expense. In Michigan, 75 cents of every health care dollar is spent on chronic diseases.
Here are a few things to know about chronic conditions:
- Chronic conditions are the leading cause of disability, illness and death in the United States, according to the CDC.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Nearly 9 in 10 Americans who have chronic kidney disease don't know they have it.
- People at any age can develop Type 2 diabetes - not just older people. More than 90 million Americans have prediabetes.
- Chest pain isn't the only symptom of a heart attack.
- Obesity isn't only caused by a lack of physical activity or unhealthy eating.
- Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is one of the most common chronic diseases in the U.S., per the CDC.
- Chronic conditions aren't only physical - depression is also a chronic condition.
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use are leading causes of many preventable chronic conditions, according to the CDC.
Preventing and managing chronic conditions
So how can you manage your condition so it's not as costly? Healthy habits are important for preventing and managing chronic conditions, including:
- Getting annual physicals: Seeing your primary care provider (PCP) for regular checkups and screenings. Identifying health conditions early can make them easier to treat and save money in the long term.
- Working with your PCP: Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can increase the risk of developing heart disease. Work with your PCP to manage the conditions and take medications as prescribed.
- Eating a nutritious diet: Each day, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat and whole grains. Limit processed and red meat, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, ultra-processed foods and sugary and high sodium foods.
- Exercising regularly: Regular cardiovascular exercise such as walking, swimming and running helps lower the risk of stroke and diabetes. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week and talk to your primary care provider (PCP) before starting a new exercise routine.
- Avoiding or quitting smoking: Smoking tobacco increases the risk of developing narrowed arteries, which restrict blood flow and increases the risk of heart disease.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess body weight can contribute to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which increase the risk of developing heart disease.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is working to reduce health care costs and improve outcomes for people with chronic conditions. Health care can be complex, but we're here to help you make the best decisions for you and your family.
Photo credit: Eva-Katalin
Related:
