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Health Background
Preventing Chronic
Disease
Chronic diseases — long-lasting, usually permanent diseases, often accompanied by some form of disability — account for 7 out of every 10 deaths in the United States. More than 1 in 10 Americans suffer from some sort of disability because of chronic disease. And about 70% of America's annual $1 trillion health care costs go toward paying for the treatment of chronic diseases.
There are many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis and asthma. Many of these affect people as they age, due in large part to the fact that they are the result of a lifetime of poor health behaviors. Cigarette smoking, for example, accounts for more than 440,000 deaths each year, or one in every 5 deaths. And poor nutrition and lack of physical exercise are associated with at least 300,000 deaths each year in the U.S.
The Role of Obesity
Over the past 30 years, obesity has more than doubled in the U.S. People who are overweight (have a body mass index [BMI] greater than 25 — or obese — have a BMI greater than 30) have an increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis-related disabilities, and some cancers. Experts are particularly concerned about the increasing levels of obesity in young people and the increasing number of them who have developed Type II diabetes, previously thought to be an adult-onset disease.
Researchers are currently exploring the role of fat in the development of chronic diseases. Scientists recently discovered that fat tissue is made up of more than just fat cells, it also includes key immune system cells. But as with many other things, there's good news and there's bad news. The good news is that together, fat and immune system cells produce powerful substances that help regulate the body's immune system. The bad news is that too many fat and immune cells may trigger a body response that increases the risk for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Fat cells also send out signals that cause blood vessels to constrict. This raises the blood pressure, contributes to blood clots and increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. And fat cells send out signals that promote blood vessel and cell growth, potentially contributing to the risk of developing cancer.
The Role of Inactivity
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing or dying from heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. On average, people who are physically active live longer than those who aren't. Regular physical activity leads to cardiovascular fitness that decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease in general and coronary artery disease. And high blood pressure, a major underlying cause of heart disease, can be reduced or delayed by regular physical activity.
The Role of Screenings
Regular preventive screenings can detect some chronic diseases in the early stages, when they are most treatable. Screenings are available for:
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- cancers of the breast, cervix, colon and rectum
- complications of diabetes, such as blindness, kidney disease, and lower-extremity amputations.
Having regular preventive screenings is an important lifestyle behavior that can prevent or minimize the impact of chronic disease. But many Americans, however, lack access to preventive screenings because they have no health insurance. In 2002, almost 1 in 5 Americans — 18% — had no health insurance.
With more research, we may someday have even more effective treatments for chronic disease. But for now, our best hope lies in preventing chronic disease from happening in the first place. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stress a multi-pronged approach, including:
- Promoting healthy behaviors
- Expanding the use of early detection practices
- Reaching young people with health education
- Improving the health of communities, and
- Supporting public health interventions
References
The Burden of Chronic Diseases and Their Risk Factors
Physical Activity Fundamental to Preventing Disease.
Washington Post Article on the Active Life of Fat Cells |
