Page 60 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2024

HEALTHY LIVING
Acute or Chronic?
Short-Term Versus Long-Term Illness
story by Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray
Being ill is a simple part of life. Scratchy throats, sneezing, rashes, illness, and other health complications are an expected part of your life journey. Many illnesses can go away on their own, or sometimes medical assistance may be necessary.
Even if you are not a medical professional, it is essential to know the difference between what can potentially
be a day or two hiccups or a more extended pathology requiring medication. As you age, your risk of getting short-term and long-term illnesses increases. These are medically referred to as acute and chronic illnesses. While one is usually easy to treat and quick, one may have life- long consequences.
Acute diseases come on pretty fast but usually are gone in a matter of weeks. This would be something like a cold or the simple flu that is easy to determine. Some acute conditions can cause discomfort to many systems of the body. A cold can affect your lungs, hay fever, your eyes, and a rash, your skin. A broken bone is also an acute condition. However, a broken bone can have long-term consequences if not properly treated. Other acute illnesses that can lead to long-term problems include pneumonia, appendicitis, or a UTI.
A condition that lasts for months or more, possibly indefinitely, is chronic. You usually begin to see more chronic illnesses as you age. Your current lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise, and drug use, can determine future chronic diseases.
Chronic diseases include diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization and Mayo Clinic report that cardiovascular disease was identified in 523 million people worldwide in 2020 and resulted in 19 million deaths. This is up 20 percent since 2010.
Poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse, and inactive lifestyle account for over 50 percent of preventable diseases.
Simple lifestyle changes now can determine whether you continue with a tenure of short-term, acute illnesses or pathology for the rest of your life. However, you should always speak with your medical provider before any long- term acute or chronic illness treatment and follow medical advice for the best results.
Stay healthy!
60 | August 2024
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