Smart Habits to Combat Chronic Disease

Sometimes we hear the words "diet and exercise" so much that it becomes meaningless, but it's true that how we move and what we consume really will make a difference. So, instead of the standard advice that you should watch your diet and make time for exercise, we're providing specific things to start doing right now to combat and help manage chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Implementing a few of these smart changes is worth consideration given that seven out of 10 deaths in the U.S. are caused by chronic diseases.

Little habits have big impact. To combat:

• Obesity, switch sweetened drinks to water. Benefits include promoting weight loss, lowering risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, improving dental health - and it certainly reduces caloric intake. In fact, the National Institute of Health indicates that in U.S. adults, beverages provide 18% or 385 calories of our total calories each day!
• Diabetes, walk after every meal to reduce blood sugar levels. A short stroll within a half hour after every meal will do the trick. It speeds up digestion to prevent reflux and gives your metabolism a little boost as well.
• High blood pressure, eat more potassium-rich foods like bananas, sweet potatoes and leafy greens which help flush out excess salt.
• High cholesterol, use a paper filter when you brew coffee instead of metal or cloth. It reduces cafestol, an oily compound known as a potent cholesterol-raising agent.
• Arthritis, drink plenty of water. The cartilage that protects your joints from shock is mostly water. And remember, motion is lotion - keep moving to stimulate the production of synovial fluid that keeps the joints lubricated.
• Asthma flareups, wash your sheets in very hot water and buy covers for your pillows and mattress.
• Kidney disease, limit your intake of NSAIDS like ibuprofen and naproxen, which are hard on your kidneys. Consider instead: acetaminophen (Tylenol) or topical pain relievers or talk with your doctor about prescription alternatives.
• Heart disease, again, walk after every meal. It helps prevent blood sugar spikes that can damage your arteries. Even a five-minute gentle stroll helps the muscles use up the sugar from your food. It can also promote circulation to help manage blood pressure and lowers triglycerides

At Summit Medical Group, chronic disease prevention and management are supported through a broad network of primary care and specialty care services designed to meet patients' health needs at every stage of life. We offer coordinated care that helps patients stay proactive about their health, address risk factors early and receive ongoing support for long-term conditions.

Whether you're working to lower your risk for chronic disease or managing an existing condition, taking consistent steps toward better health can make a meaningful difference. Partnering with a trusted healthcare provider, staying current with preventive care and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits are important parts of long-term wellness. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact Summit Medical Group and connect with a provider who can help you create a personalized plan for your health needs.