Hello there!
Are you suffering from a chronic disease? Are you hitting the age of 50+ and wondering about chronic diseases and how to manage them with exercise? Well, now more than ever, the answers to the below FAQ on chronic disease & exercise is relevant due to the alarming report that chronic diseases are responsible for almost 70% of all deaths globally.
1. What is a Chronic Disease?
The medical community is yet to agree on a single definition for the term “Chronic Disease” as there exists a variety of definitions. The differences depend on the research data and the lead authors. Thus, According to Wikipedia, a chronic disease is
“A human health condition or disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects or a disease that comes with time”.
An academic study authored by a geriatrician defined it as
“A conditions that last a year or more and require ongoing medical attention and/or limit activities of daily living”.
MedicineNet says the chronic disease is
“one lasting 3 months or more”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) also defined it as
“Diseases that are of long duration and generally slow in progression and are not passed from person to person”
From the above, we can safely conclude that it is a non-communicable health condition that persists for over 3 months and can be managed with medicine and exercise.
2. Is diabetes a chronic disease?
Irrespective of which lens you are viewing a chronic disease list from, you are certain to find diabetes. The Centres for Disease and Prevention (CDC), Wikipedia, other medical practitioners and researchers have all listed diabetes as a chronic disease.
3. Is depression a chronic disease?
Yes! Depression is listed on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS.gov) extensive chronic diseases list.
4. What are the top ten chronic diseases?
According to a reputable health stakeholder, the below are not just the top ten chronic diseases in recent times but also, the most expensive, causing havoc to patient’s finances.
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Smoking-Related Health Issues
- Alchohol-Related Health Issues
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Stroke
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Asthma
5. How can exercising help manage chronic disease?
Researchers have provided overwhelming evidence indicating a lack of exercise as the primary factor underlying all chronic diseases. As a believer of the adage, “it’s better late than never”, undertaking regular mild exercises from the minute one becomes self-aware will enable patients to overcome fatigue (common complaints made by patients with chronic diseases) and to a large extent improve the health condition.
Wondering how? Check this and that out.
6. Four types of exercises to manage chronic diseases
It is paramount to note that although exercising is a wonderful way of staying young and healthy, not all forms of exercises are advised. There are specific types of exercises that are proven to have a better effect on managing chronic diseases. They are categorised into 4 key areas as illustrated below.
Endurance:
Endurance exercises keep your heart alive as demonstrated in the video. Grab our treadmills and bikes to undertake your endurance exercises.
Strength:
Stronger muscles make everyday activities easier and feel lighter. Watch the video on how to achieve this.
Balance:
Balance exercises help prevent falls, a common problem in older adults that can have serious consequences. These exercises include standing on one foot, “tai chi” and balance walking.
Flexibility:
As you grow older, certain things become much more difficult to do. Perform the above exercises, then you will have one less thing to worry about.
In summary, exercising regularly is a wonder drug you need to help manage and prevent chronic diseases.
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Swimming can help to discourage Endo flare ups as it is worth mentioning, not moving around can worsen the pain. Swimming can offer low impact cardio as well as strength training at the same time.