• Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
• Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are common chronic diseases that can lead to disabilities.
• Home modifications, lifestyle changes, exercise, and diet can help manage chronic diseases.
• Stress management is also key in managing chronic diseases and living an active life.
• Talking with your healthcare provider about the best treatment plan is crucial for your recovery.
According to the World Health Organization, chronic diseases are responsible for more deaths than any other cause worldwide. In the United States, chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability. Here are some of those chronic diseases and how to deal with them.
Chronic Diseases That Can Lead to Disabilities
While some chronic diseases can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, others can lead to disabilities that make a living a full and active life difficult or impossible. Here are four chronic diseases that can lead to disabilities.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is also a leading cause of disability. Heart disease can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other conditions that can leave people unable to care for themselves or perform everyday activities. People with heart disease often need assistance with activities of daily living. But most of the time, they can take care of themselves.
However, those who experience a heart attack often need care from others until they are healthy enough to care for themselves.
Stroke
Stroke is the second leading cause of death in the United States. It is also a leading cause of disability. Stroke can cause paralysis, loss of speech, and other problems that make it difficult or impossible for people to live independently. People who have had a stroke often need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also need help with transportation and child care. In severe cases, stroke can lead to total disability and the need for 24-hour care.
Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. While cancer can be treated successfully in many cases, it can also lead to disability. Cancer treatment often has side effects that make it difficult or impossible for people to perform everyday activities such as working, caring for their homes, and caring for their families.
Diabetes
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It is also a leading cause of disability. Diabetes can lead to blindness, amputations, kidney failure, and other problems that make it difficult or impossible for people to live independently.
Most people with diabetes can live everyday life. However, those with severe cases may need assistance, especially if they’ve become blind due to the disease or have had a limb amputated.
Living Well With Chronic Disease
While it is impossible to cure many chronic diseases, there are ways people can live with it usually. Here’s how to live well with these chronic diseases.
Make Your Home More Accessible
Those that end up disabled due to chronic disease can make their homes more accessible by making changes such as installing grab bars, widening doorways, and adding ramps to make it easier to move around. Moreover, if your home has a second floor, it might be good to have a lift chair installed. The best lift chairs come with comfortable padding, adjustable heights, and easy-to-use controls. All of these are essential for maximum comfort for someone recovering.
Stay Active
Staying active is important for managing many chronic diseases. Exercise can help reduce pain, improve circulation, and strengthen the body. It can also help increase energy levels and boost mood. Talk to your healthcare provider about what exercise is best for you.
Eating Right
Healthy food choices can help manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Eating right means eating a balanced diet with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. It also means limiting salty and fatty foods and avoiding processed sugars. Talking with your healthcare provider about the best diet for you is important.
Manage Stress
Stress can worsen many chronic diseases, so it is essential to manage it. Some ways to reduce stress include meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and talking to a therapist or support group. Exercise can also help reduce stress levels.
These are just a few tips for managing chronic diseases and living well despite them. Everyone’s situation is different, so talking to your healthcare provider about what works best for you is essential. You can manage your chronic disease and live an active life with the right treatments and lifestyle choices.
