There is growing evidence that healthy lifestyles may decrease the rate of cognitive decline seen with aging and help delay the onset of cognitive symptoms in the setting of age-associated diseases . These healthy lifestyle factors may include physical activity , mental stimulation , avoiding excessive exposure to neurotoxins ( e . g ., alcohol ), treating depression and managing stress , and controlling common medical conditions such as hypertension , diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea . ( 7 )
The United States and other nations are suffering from epidemics of obesity , heart disease , cancers and diabetes . The onset of such diseases can be prevented by reducing inflammation and maintaining a healthy body weight and diet , along with stress management techniques .
The American Diabetes Association ® ( ADA ) published the Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U . S . in 2022 ( Economic Report ). The results are staggering .
• The total annual cost of diabetes in 2022 was $ 412.9 billion , including $ 306.6 billion in direct medical costs and $ 106.3 billion in indirect costs , such as lost productivity at work , unemployment from chronic disability and premature mortality .
• People with diagnosed diabetes now account for one of every four health care dollars spent in the U . S .
• Presenteeism , or reduced work productivity , accounts for $ 35.8 billion in annual indirect costs .
• Absenteeism , or missed workdays , accounts for $ 5.4 billion in annual indirect costs . ( 3 , 4 )
Diabetes is a chronic ( long-lasting ) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy . “ Although there is no cure for the disease , medical science assures us that losing weight , eating healthy and exercising can help in preventing or controlling diabetes .” The most common form of diabetes for adults is Type 2 . ( 10 ) Type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes will also benefit from diabetes education with registered dietitian nutritionists , registered nurses , and certified diabetes care and education specialists ( CDCES ). It ’ s important to note that diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management to prevent complications and improve overall health . ( 8 )
More than 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes , most of whom have no idea that they are at risk for type 2 diabetes , heart disease , or stroke . ( 3 ) Prediabetes raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and other health problems . Making lifestyle changes can cut the risk of type 2 diabetes in half . There may not be clear symptoms . Health education gives a 58 % chance of lowering the risk for diabetes and 71 % if over the age of 60 . ( 5 )
Other diseases could be prevented or stopped from progressing with health education and counseling .
About 86 million U . S . adults aged 20 or older have total cholesterol levels above 200 mg / dL . Nearly 25 million adults in the United States have total cholesterol levels above 240 mg / dL .( 6 ) Prevention of heart disease includes eating well , being active , managing weight and avoiding tobacco .
Cancer prevention is an action taken to lower the risk of getting cancer . This can include maintaining a healthy lifestyle , avoiding exposure to known cancer-causing substance , and taking medicines or vaccines that can prevent cancer from developing . ( 9 )
As you can see , chronic diseases come with a high cost on several levels , affecting the patient , the health care system , and our economy .
In conclusion , health education programs serve as powerful tools in promoting public health awareness and enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their health . Prevention is the key to the paradigm shift for improved health care , and health education can help accomplish this .
References : 1 ) 1 . Wagner EH , Austin BT , Davis C , Hindmarsh M , Schaefer J , Bonomi A . Improving chronic illness care : translating evidence into action . Health Aff ( Millwood ) 2001 ; 20 ( 6 ): 64 – 78 . doi : 10.1377 / hlthaff . 20.6.64 . [ DOI ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ] 2 ) Health Promotion strategies : A holistic approach in healthcare practice Global https :// globalbanking . ac . uk / blog / health-promotionstrategies-a-holistic-approach-in-healthcare-practice / 3 ) American Diabetes Association , Economic Costs of Diabetes in the US in 2022 , Dec 2024 , Diabetes Care 4 ) https :// www . cdc . gov / diabetes / php / data-research / index . html 5 ) https :// www . cdc . gov / diabetes / prevention-type-2 / prediabetesprevent-type-2 . html 6 ) https :// www . cdc . gov / cholesterol / data-research / facts-stats / index . html October 24 , 2024 ( 7 ) Troyer , A . K . ( 2001 ). Improving Memory Knowledge , Satisfaction , and Functioning Via an Education and Intervention Program for Older Adults . Aging , Neuropsychology , and Cognition , 8 ( 4 ), 256 – 268 . https :// doi . org / 10.1076 / anec . 8.4.256.5642 ( 8 ) https :// www . cdc . gov / diabetes / about /? CDC _ AAref _ Val = https :// www . cdc . gov / diabetes / basics / diabetes . htmlttps :// www . cdc . gov / diabetes / about /? CDC _ AAref _ Val = https :// www . cdc . gov / diabetes / basics / diabetes . html May 15 , 2024 ( 9 ) National Cancer Institute ( U . S .); 2025 , PDQ Cancer Information for Health Professionals . Available from : https :// www . cancer . gov / publications / pdq
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