Preventive health care can protect you from chronic illness.
While genetics certainly play a role in the development of certain chronic diseases, we also know that making healthy choices regarding your lifestyle and diet can also play just as critical a role in whether you end up dealing with long-term health problems. Here at Natural Health Center in Rome, NY, our Preventive Medicine physician Dr. Camille Dillard provides patients with comprehensive checkups and screenings to help reduce their risk.
What are the most common chronic diseases in the US?
Chronic diseases have a serious and long-term impact on a persons’ health, wellbeing and quality of life. People with chronic diseases also find that their everyday activities and routines are often impacted by their health, not to mention the added stress of healthcare expenses due to chronic diseases. Some of the most common chronic diseases in the US today include,
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Depression
- Arthritis
- Kidney disease
What are some of the best ways to prevent chronic health problems?
While family history is certainly a risk factor for certain chronic diseases, several lifestyle factors can also play a role in whether you develop these health problems. During your routine checkup, our Rome, NY, Preventive Medicine physician can assess your current behaviors, habits and lifestyles to help you make changes to improve your health and reduce your risk. Some of these changes include,
Quitting smoking
If you are currently a smoker, one of the most important things you can do for your health is to quit. Smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease, heart attack and premature death. Your risk for coronary heart disease drops in half after just 3-6 years of quitting smoking.
Avoiding or limiting alcohol
Did you know that quitting or limiting alcohol can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol? Those who avoid alcohol consumption are also less likely to deal with heart disease, hypertension, stroke, liver disease and gut problems.
Getting regular aerobic exercise
Getting at least 30 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise a day can drastically reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression and anxiety, dementia and even certain types of cancers.
Eating a healthy, balanced and whole-food diet
Did you know that food is the number one driver of chronic disease? Ultra-processed, industrialized diets are keeping us overweight and sick. By removing ultra-processed foods from your diet and only consuming whole unprocessed foods you can protect against chronic disease.
If you are concerned about your health and want to start making healthier life choices, our Rome, NY, Preventive Medicine physician Dr. Dillard and the team at Natural Health Center are here to support you and provide you with the customized tips you need to support your health. To schedule a checkup, call us at (888) 338-WELL.