Chronic Diseases
Shamaine Lewis-Burriola
SCI/163 Health and Wellness
April 22nd, 2013
Martha Urias-Islas

Chronic Diseases
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University of Phoenix Material

Chronic Diseases

The Life Resource Center (LRC) is a valuable free tool available to University of Phoenix students. Taking some time to explore its website to discover some of the many topics, resources, and tools available is a great way to find information to enhance and support health and wellness.

Complete the following assignment:

Chronic Disease Risk Assessment

Take one of the health risk assessments located on the LRC website. After completing the assessment, write a 500- to 750-word summary that includes the following:

* Description of the disease: Diabetes is a disease characterized by a persistently high level of sugar or glucose in the blood. Diabetes us derived from a Greek word meaning “to flow through”. * Risk factors for the disease- Age, Ethnicity, biological factors, family history, and obesity. * Lifestyle choices you can make in your life to decrease your modifiable risk factors for this disease.
There are several things that we can do to reduce the on-set of Diabetes. Diet is one that (thankfully) has so many alternatives. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet is a great way, the fruit and vegetables you like and stat there. Cut high fatty foods, if you are going to drink milk it should be 1% or skim milk. Water is a great alternative to sodas and sugary iced teas. Eliminate things like ketchup, which is all sugar and mayonnaise that is high in fat with mustard. Try various whole grains, another tough change; try different brands until you find the one that you like. Substitute whole wheat for refined grains, brown rice is a great option. Look for whole grain versions of snacks.
Exercise- There is no easy fancy word for “get moving”… find an exercise that you will enjoy, one that will get your heart rate up and make you sweat. There is no one size fits all, a gym is an option, and you can get advice and seek help from the onsite trainers. Have a friend join you so you can support each other and when you don’t feel like going your friend can help push you though it. If you are an out doors person go for a walk outside. Gyms can be costly but to go for a walk outside is free, it allows you to practice breathing techniques have some alone time, time to reflect and just be alone. We all need time to put ourselves in order, with minimal interruptions.
Maintaining a good relationship with your doctor. It is imperative to be honest with family history of all illness and diseases. Get your blood check on a regular basis, listen and obey your doctor recommendations. Be sure to discuss any medical conditions you have or medicines you take on a regular basis. Finding a doctor you can trust is important, if you have to go through a few then do it. Ask questions of your doctor if you don’t understand what you are being told, do your homework on what you are being told and even ask for a second opinion.
Weight loss, this is a tough one for me. I am good for a few months and then something emotional (good or bad) and I make bad food choices. I have worked hard on this and am gaining wisdom and making better choices. Life styles, I work outside of the home full time, go to school, am a wife and mother. At times getting on a regular schedule for exercise and good eating habits seems impossible Make small changes that will have a big