It is understood by Chronic disease Those long -term health problems, slow progression, and that may not have a cure. Among the most common is the diabetes, cancer, hypertensionand arthritisamong others.
The main types of noncommunicable diseases, as they are also called, are cardiovascular diseases (such as myocardial infarctions and strokes), cancer, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes, describes the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to Rodrigo Sánchez, internist, Chronic diseases mostly affect the elderly. “Approximately 80% of those over 65 suffer from one of these diseases,” says the specialist.
These health problems can be prevented from leading a healthy life from an early age, since many preventable chronic diseases are caused by a few risk factors: smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity and excess alcohol consumption. Genetic, physiological and environmental factors also influence.
“A chronic disease can be caused by behavioral factors, such as the harmful consumption of alcohol and cigarette, insufficient physical activity and unhealthy food. Also by metabolic factors, such as overweight and obesity, high sugar levels and abnormal levels of blood fat; as well as by environmental factors, for example, air pollution,” adds Gabriela Castillo, general practitioner.
Although there are several factors that affect the emergence of some chronic diseases, doctors co -indise that some can be prevented by carrying healthy habits that promote the physical and mental well -being of each person.
Among the changes in lifestyle that help prevent chronic diseases are:
- No smoking: The minimum consumption of tobacco helps reduce the risk of respiratory problems, heart disease, diabetes and some type of cancer.
- Ensure healthy eating: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help the body have the necessary nutrients to combat any type of disease and always try to health.
- Do physical activity regularly: It is not necessary to be an athlete, but to do physical activity of moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes per week. For example, go for a light pace, practice some sport, go to the gym or swim. Ideally, it’s an activity you like.
- Visit the doctor constantly: Even if you do not feel sick, it is advisable to visit the doctor once a year to make routine checks. In this way a chronic disease can be prevented or detected in early stages.
- Avoid alcohol consumption: Try to drink alcohol with measure, to prevent hypertension, cancer, heart and liver diseases.
- Sleep enough: The body needs to rest, so it is recommended to sleep at least 7 hours a day to recover energy.
- Know the family history: Knowing if someone in his family had or has some chronic disease helps to know how prone can suffer these health problems. It also promotes early detection.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day avoid dehydration.
- Take care of your hygiene: Washing your teeth three times a day and constantly washing your hands, cutting your nails and wearing clean clothes are also part of habits that help prevent diseases.