15 Common Health Issues That You Should Be Aware Of

Keeping up on some of the most common health concerns is key to staying proactive in your health and catching things early. Read on below for 15 common health issues you need to know about:

Heart Disease

Heart Disease is the Number One killer in the world. Explanation: Heart disease includes a variety of diseases that impact the heart, such as coronary artery disease, problems with your heart rhythm and congenital heart defects. Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol (lipids in the blood), smoking, overweight or obesity, diabetes (high glucose level), physical inactivity as well family history of heart disease. What you can do to lower your risk of heart disease:

A balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins

Be physically active for at least 150 minutes a week, and do any additional exercise as you like

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Do not smoke or use any tobacco products
• Less stress, take some time to relax via the meditation or deep breathing.
• Manage diseases such as hypertension, cholestorol and diabetes

Cancer

Cancer is defined as a number of diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and skin cancer are common types of this disease. Risk factors will differ by the sort of cancer but can contain tobacco use, sun exposure, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and a few infections. To lower your cancer risk:

• Avoid smoking and other tobacco products.
• Always wear sun protection (even when you think it is unnecessary) like sunscreen, protective clothing and avoiding direct sun light.
• Consume a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Have screenings for cancer, like mammograms, colonoscopies and skin checks

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body cannot effectively use blood sugar (glucose). There are mainly two types: type 1, where the body does not release insulin and type 2, where the body does not utilize available insulin properly. Obesity, lack of physical activity, older age and family history are some risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes? To control or avoid diabetes:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Follow a healthy diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables; whole grains; as well as low-fat or nonfat dairy foods; seafood, lean meats, poultry and eggs.
• Minimize your consumption of processed and sugary foods
• Follow your doctors orders regarding when and how many times to check your blood sugars
• Taking your medicines as prescribed

Obesity

Obesity as a medical disorder involves excess body fat. It hikes the odds of many health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and joint problems. Causes include unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, obesity genetics and some medical treatments. To maintain a healthy weight:

• Portion 4: A balanced diet
• Get some sort of regular exercise
• Get enough sleep
• Manage stress
• Find help from doctors and other professionals, family and friends

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The greatest risk factor is smoking; however, extended exposure to air pollution, dust or chemicals could also play a part. To prevent or manage COPD:

• Avoid smoking or the consumption of tobacco products
• Steer clear of passive smoking, air pollution and other lung aggravating substances
• Follow advice from your doctor and go for check-ups regularly
• Take medications as directed
• Try medical rehabilitation that will help you to breath and lead a smooth life

Dementia-Related Conditions (Alzheimer’s Disease)

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that slowly deteriorates memory, thinking skills and the ability to do even the simplest of tasks. Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other cognitive abilities that can interfere with everyday life, and it is the most common cause. Age, family history and specific genetic factors are risk factors. Here’s how you can mean lower your risk if there’s no guaranteed method to prevent people with disease:

• Staying physically active
• Following a healthy diet based on fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Continued social activity (be it in person, over video chat, or good-old fashion FaceTime)
• Increasing your brain power with puzzles, reading or acquiring new skills
• Controlling cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and diabetes

Stroke

Wikimedia Commons] A stroke happens when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells can die within minutes from this. The risks are high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, obesity and diabetes. To lower your risk of having a stroke:

• Control of Risk Factors For Cardiovascular Disease: High BP, High Cholesterol & Diabetes
• Do not smoke or use tobacco products
• Low saturated and trans fats diet tips
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol consumption

Arthritis

Arthritis — Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that encompasses over 100 different types, but all the forms cause inflammation in one or more joints resulting in pain, stiffness and/or swelling. These include osteoarthritis (wear and tear) or rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder). Aging, family history, obesity, and previous joint injuries all increase the risk. To manage arthritis:

• Do low-impact aerobic exercises, like swimming or cycling on a stationary bike.
• Key: Keep your weight in check to alleviate some stress on joints
• Provide relief from pain and stiffness with heat and cold therapies
• Use over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication as prescribed by your doctor
• Physical or occupational therapy to help joint mobility and function

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. This can affect daily activities leading to physical health issues. Other risk factors are family history, key life changes or stress, some bodily illnesses and a few medicines. To manage depression:

• Consult a Professional Mental Health Provider
• Try therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy
• Always take your medications as prescribed by your health care provider
• Exercise regularly
• Use relaxation techniques such as mediation or deep breathing
• Enlist the help of family, friends, or support groups.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that causes excessive fear, worry and unease. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias are the most common types. Have a family history of depression, experience stressful life events and have certain physical health conditions. To manage anxiety:

• Seek help from a therapist or mental health specialist
• Seek treatment, like cognitive-behavioral or exposure therapy
• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor
• Do relaxation exercise ( for instance, deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
• Exercise regularly
• Reduce intake of caffeine and alcohol

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the gradual loss of kidney function over time. The Kidneys filter Waste and excess fluids from the blood, their action is excretion in Urine. When kidney health is impaired, waste can accumulate in the body. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking and family history are risk factors. To prevent or manage CKD:

• Keep your diabetes and high blood pressure in check
• Follow a heart-healthy diet low in sodium and processed foods
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid tobacco and smoking products
• Exercise regularly
• Take medications prescribed by your provider
• Have frequent visits to kidney function test

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bone — making it fragile and more likely to break. It happens when the body loses too much bone, does not make enough bone or both. Age, sex (females at increased risk), family history, low body mass index, smoking and commonly used drugs are risk factors. To help prevent or manage osteoporosis:

• Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D — from the diet, your health or a supplement
• Participating in physical activity such as regular weight-bearing and strengthening exercise
• If you smoke or use tobacco products, quit.
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Accept drugs prescribed by your wellbeing expert to store up bones or back off bone misfortune

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Causes may be allergens, an infection in the respiratory tract, exercises, chilly air and environmental pollutants. Some risk factors include family history, allergies, and exposure to certain environmental factors. To manage asthma:

• Develop an asthma action plan in conjunction with your health care provider
• Identify and avoid triggers
• Use all medications exactly as prescribed, including long-term control medications and quick-relief medications
• Tracking your breathing and lung function
• Influenza and pneumonia vaccination

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) are infections transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. These are commonly known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Contingent factors risk include unprotected sex, several sexual companions and previous STIs. To prevent STIs:

• Use condoms properly every time you have sex.
• Check your vaccination history for HPV and hepatitis B
• Regular testing if you have several different sexual partners
• Discuss sexual health openly with your partner(s)
• Get treated as soon as possible if you think you have an STI

Substance Abuse and Addiction

Substance abuse is the problematic or dangerous use of psychoactive substance, such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and other illicit drugs. Addiction is a complex, chronic disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use, continued despite harmful consequences. Risk factors include a history of substance abuse or dependence in the family, other mental health disorders, peer pressure, and early use. For the prevention of substance abuse and addiction or treatment for such conditions:

• In other cases, you might want to consider seeking advice from a male mental health provider or an addiction specialist.
• Think about therapy (cognitive-behavioral or motivational interviewing)
• Get involved in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous
• Find a support system of friends and family
• Find positive things you love to do that replace using substances
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding medications to help ease withdrawal or prevent relapse

Being familiar with these prevalent health problems can help you improve your overall health and wellbeing by taking preventive or proactive measures to help counter them. As always, please seek advice and treatment through your healthcare providers.