Chronic Illness

            There are many different kinds of chronic illnesses. Research has not been able to pin point a direct cause on all chronic illnesses. Many people have both mental and physical difficulties living with a chronic illness. Some have a slow onset while others can be extremely aggressive and lead to a quick death. Finding out that one has a chronic illness can be life changing for the patient and the patient’s family. It is critical to have support and be well educated about ones chronic illness.  

            Chronic illness is the leading cause of death and disabilities in the United States; accounting for 70% of all deaths. While chronic illness is one of the most costly illnesses; it is also one of the most preventable illnesses. The Center for Managing Chronic Disease has created circles to health control chronic illnesses. These circles consist of the following topics: self-management by the person, family involvement, clinical expertise and symptoms, work/school support, community awareness and action, environmental measures, and policy. These categories help patients manage their diseases more effectively making healthcare cost go down, and improving overall health (CDC).

            Striking statistics of chronic illnesses can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 1 in 2 adults live with a chronic illness, more than 75% of health care cost are due to chronic illnesses, one fourth of people living with chronic illnesses experience limitations in the daily life, since 1960 the percentage of children living with a chronic illness has increase United States today. Obesity is a problem for every 1 in 3 adults, and 1 in every 5 young people ages 5-19 (CDC).

            The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified a list of risk factors for chronic illnesses. Smoking is a huge risk factor for chronic illness. Research reported that 1in 5 adults smoke, along with 1 in 5 high school students. Sedentary lifestyle also increases ones risk of chronic illness. One third of U.S. adults do not meet aerobic physical activity recommendation. Students do not receive enough attention regarding physical education. Only 1 in 3 high school students has a daily physical education class. More than 60% of children eat more than the recommended daily amounts of saturated fat. Only 24% of U.S. adults and 20% of U.S. high school students eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.  About 1 in 6 Americans aged 18 years and older engage in binge drinking in the past 30 days. Nearly 45% of U.S. high school students report having had at least one drink of alcohol in the past 30 days. These statistics show that there is are serious measures that need to be taken in order to decrease chronic illness in the United States (CDC).

            The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working to Prevent, delay, detect, and control chronic illness. By eliminating risk factors Americans can prevent multiple chronic illnesses at the same time. The CDC must also work to achieve equity in health in order to prevent chronic illness for all Americans. The NCCDPHP works to create interventions to prevent chronic illness and promote overall health. The NCCDPHP goes above and beyond by using collaboration in education, housing, transportation, justice, labor, and other sectors. They do a great deal of research to educate Americans on Chronic Illnesses (CDC)

Some examples of chronic illnesses include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. These are illnesses that cannot be cured, but there are ways to prolong life and improve the symptoms caused by such an illness. Depression is a major effect of chronic illness. The Cleveland Clinic found that heart disease causes the greatest amount of depression; following heart disease would be Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Cancer, and then diabetes (Cleveland Clinic).

            It is important for those who are close with someone who is facing chronic illness to be on alert and aware of symptoms of depression. These symptoms include  Depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, significant weight loss or weight gain, sleep disturbances -- sleeping too much or not able to sleep, problems with concentration, apathy (lack of feeling or emotion), feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fatigue or loss of energy, or repeated thoughts of death or suicide. These symptoms can easily be looked over; therefore it is important for friends and family members to be well educated over these symptoms (Center for Managing Chronic Disease).

            There are treatment options for those who become depressed by their chronic illness. Depression is treated separately from the chronic illness. Research has found that alleviating some of the symptoms from a chronic illness can eliminate depression. When this is not the case, treatment for depression needs to be sought immediately to reduce the risk of suicide and improve overall quality of life. Sometimes treatments for a chronic illness can also cause the onset of depression. Options for patients include antidepressants or talk therapy. The Cleveland Clinic recommends the following tips for coping with a chronic illness: learn how to live with the physical effects of the illness, learn how to deal with the treatment, make sure there is clear communication with your doctors, try to maintain emotional balance to cope with negative feelings, try to maintain confidence and a positive self-image, get help as soon as symptoms of depression appear (Center for Managing Chronic Disease).

            Chronic illness is extremely prevalent in society today. Research has shown that is can be a costly and life threatening problem. Health educators need to take steps to prevent chronic illness by implementing education materials and interventions. Steps also need to be taken to improve the health of those who are currently battling a chronic disease to make for a better overall well being.

            Works Cited

"Chronic Diseases." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17 Dec. 2009. Web. 29 Aug. 2012. .

"What Is a Chronic Illness?" Chronic Illness and Depression. Cleveland Clinic, 2012. Web. 29 Aug. 2012. .

"What Is Chronic Disease?" The Center for Managing Chronic Disease. University of Michigan, 2011. Web. 29 Aug. 2012. .