It's Chronic! What Now?

What does it mean?

A “chronic” illness is usually any condition that lasts one year or more. It is not something that can generally be treated quickly and typically requires ongoing medical attention or lifestyle changes.

This can include (but is not limited to) common conditions such as diabetes and arthritis, as well as rarer disease states.

Show me the numbers.

Chronic diseases account for 7 of the top 10 causes of death in America. More than 90% of our $4.1 trillion annual healthcare spending is attributed to managing chronic diseases and mental health conditions.

About 129 million people in the United States have at least 1 major disease that falls under this category, 42% have 2 or more, with 12% having at least 5.

What if it can’t be cured?

While some diseases can be cured, many are conditions that patients will have to live with in the long term.

Since there are so many kinds, each person will most likely require personalized oversight from their physician to maximize their quality of life. Diet and exercise can always be helpful tools, but treatment can often be more complicated than a single lifestyle change.

Consult your physician. Ask questions. Be curious. Take charge of your health.