Preventing Chronic Health Problems

There are many different types of chronic health problems like asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and epilepsy. Leading a healthy lifestyle can prevent most of these problems.

Healthy Habits that Prevent Chronic Health Problems

• Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet
• Keeping your salt intake low
• Limiting alcohol intake (alcohol should NEVER be consumed if you may be pregnant, are pregnant, or are breast–feeding)
• Not smoking
• Understanding your blood pressure
• Taking medication exactly as directed
• Visiting your medical provider regularly
• Increasing physical activity to 30–minutes a day
• Reducing BMI
• Eating a balanced diet
• Screening and treatment for high blood pressure and cholesterol
• Having consistent health care coverage

Risk Factors

• Tobacco Use– This is the single most preventable cause of death in the U.S.
• Lack of Physical Activity– regular activity reduces risk for all major chronic health problems
• Poor Nutrition– a balanced diet greatly reduces the risk for all major chronic health problems
• Overweight/Obesity– dramatically increases risk for developing chronic health problems
• High Blood Pressure– a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke
• High Blood Cholesterol– one of the major independent risk factors for heart disease and stroke
• Lack of Mammography– Can allow breast cancer to advance to later, more difficult to treat stages.