Health Tips – Risk Factors for Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, are the leading causes of death and disability in North America. Although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also among the most preventable. By paying attention to your health and following good health habits, you can prevent or control the long-term effects of these debilitating diseases.

Risk factors for chronic disease

Chronic diseases are usually the result of a complex web of causes. However, there is clear evidence that certain personal or behavioural factors may increase your risk of developing a serious disease. These factors are:

• Smoking/exposure to secondhand smoke
  o A major risk factor for cancer, respiratory diseases and cardiovascular (heart) disease

• Physical inactivity
  o Associated with high blood pressure, increased the risk of heart attack, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis

• Unhealthy eating
  o Leads to obesity, which increases the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes

Stress is another factor that has been linked to chronic disease. Repeated stress can trigger a physical response that can compromise your immune system and may lead to depression, heart attack or stroke.