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Bel 311 Week 4 Research Paper

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Homework Week 4 Discuss two of the common chronic conditions affecting the elderly and identify preventative measures that you (or your classmates) can take at your age if you were faced with a strong family history of the disease: Type II diabetes and Stroke Type II diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects the way the body uses glucose. With diabetes, the body can resist the effect of insulin or fails to produce enough insulin to preserve a glucose level within normal limits. Type II diabetes is becoming much more common than before and the occurrence is growing. Approximately 23.5 million people in the United States are living with type II diabetes (Fesselle, 2010). Symptoms of this disease include frequent urination, thirst, …show more content…

Decreasing blood pressure or managing it to maintain it at a normal range can decrease the risk by double. The ideal recommended blood pressure is 120/80 and under. Decreasing the amount of salt in the diet, avoiding high cholesterol foods and eating more fruits and vegetables can decrease blood pressure (Newlin, 2014). Losing weight is another way that a stroke can be prevented. Maintaining a normal body weight or a BMI less than 25 is ideal to help prevent a stroke. If overweight, losing 10 pounds can help prevent a stroke. Consuming a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can help with losing or maintaining a healthy weight. Physical activity is important in promoting health and preventing diseases. Exercising five time a week assists in losing weight and decreasing high blood pressure which can help prevent the risk of a stroke (Newlin, 2014). High blood glucose over time damages the blood vessels which makes it easier for blood clots to form increasing the risk of a stroke. Managing diabetes and maintaining blood glucose levels to stay within normal limits helps in preserving the health and wellness of blood vessels in the body. Diet and diabetic medications can help keep blood glucose within normal

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