healthy lifestyle

You Have the Power to Prevent Chronic Disease

By Laura Peppers, DC, Eastland Chiropractic & Lifestyle Center

ccording to the CDC, chronic disease is the cause of 7 in 10 deaths each year in the United States. It is estimated that 133 million Americans, which is almost half of all adults, have at least one chronic illness. One-fourth of those with chronic illness are limited in their daily activities. Seventy-five percent of health care costs are due to chronic conditions. There has also been an increase in childhood chronic conditions from 1.8 percent in 1960 to 7 percent in 2004. Most chronic diseases can be prevented, which can not only tremendously reduce health care costs, but can avoid needless pain and suffering. Chronic diseases are those that have occurred over time. They last for a year or more, limit the activities of daily life, and require ongoing medical attention. Some of the top preventable chronic diseases are: heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and obesity. Heart disease, cancer, and stroke are the cause of 50 percent of the deaths per year. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower extremity amputation, and adult blindness in those ages 20 to 74 years old. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability, affecting 19 million people. Obesity affects 1 in 3 adults, and 1 in 5 youth, ages 6 to 19 years old. Twenty-five percent of people have a chronic condition that limits their activities. Weve probably heard about the importance of lifestyle to our health. There are four controllable behaviors that have an enormous effect on disease prevention. Tobacco Use. Lung cancer still remains the leading cause of cancer death. Eighty to ninety percent is caused by cigarette smoking, which also causes cancer of the voice box, mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix, stomach, and causes acute myeloid leukemia. Excessive Alcohol Consumption contributes to 54 different diseases and injuries, including cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, breast, liver disease, and cardiovascular, neurological, psychiatric, and gastrointestinal health problems Lack of Physical Activity. Over one-third of adults do not get aerobic physical activity, and 23 percent dont enjoy leisure physical activity. Thirty minutes of moderate activity five times per week, or 20 minutes of vigorous activity three times per week, has been shown to reduce disease. Inactivity can lead to coronary heart disease and premature death from heart attacks and diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity and physical inactivity, colon and breast cancer, hip fractures, high
Page 16 Healthy Cells Magazine Bloomington July 2013

blood pressure, and feelings of depression and anxiety. Exercise promotes psychological well-being. It helps to maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints. It also helps older adults to become stronger and move better, which prevent falls. Nutrition. In 2007, 22 percent of high school students, and 24 percent of adults were not eating five or more servings of fruits (2 servings) and vegetables (3 servings) per day. Fruits and vegetables, as part of a healthy diet, are important for optimal child growth, weight management, and chronic disease prevention. In the same way that chronic disease can be prevented, Chiropractors are trained to look for the cause of pain, discomfort, and disease rather than only treating the symptom. The nervous system relays messages between the brain and every organ, cell, and tissue of the body. A spine that is properly aligned allows the nervous system to be free from interference so that the body can heal, feel, and work at its best level. The power to prevent chronic disease and to experience the quality of life that you desire is within you. For more information, please contact Laura Peppers, DC of Eastland Chiropractic & Lifestyle Center, at 309-662-8418 or email LPeppers@eastlandchiro.com. They are a family-oriented practice with over 25 years of service located at 2406 E. Washington St. in Bloomington. Their mission is to inspire and empower individuals to actively participate in taking control of their health and wellness through natural, holistic means.