In the last 20 years, the prevalence of chronic disease in the United States has grown by a steady 7 to 8 million people every 5 years (Holman). Today, chronic disease affects 50% of the population, and its treatment consumes more than 85% of healthcare costs (Holman). Therefore one begs the question whether chronic disease will continue to rise and possibly affect an entire generation, and more importantly, what has caused this immense increase of chronic illnesses. 

Chronic diseases are any disease that lasts a year or longer, require ongoing attention, and/or limit daily activities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The most common are heart disease, cancer, stroke, and arthritis.  Chronic diseases have an immense impact on patients and their daily lives. Besides the direct physical impact they have: whether this may be shortness of breath, chronic pain, or fatigue, their psychological effect is another burden patients have to carry for the rest of their lives. In a study published in 2021, researchers identified major themes in the psychological effects of chronic diseases. One of those major themes was the weight of the constant burden patients have to carry. Chronic diseases pose an additional challenge, impacting their vulnerability. Research participants stated they are constantly reminded of their disease, making it painful to continuously accept they may not be able to do everything like everyone else. Another major theme was the loss of independence patients reported. Not only does the disease control their lives, subjecting them to their respective symptoms, but it also makes them dependent on others, for example by having to be supervised in judicial processes. The effects of this are feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, as reported by survey participants. 

So with a rising number of chronic illnesses, what really causes them? According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention, people with the following lifestyles are more prone to developing one or more chronic diseases; Tobacco use or second-hand exposure, excessive alcohol use, physical inactivity, poor nutrition – high sodium and saturated fats, and low amounts of fruits and vegetables. Therefore it is vital to reduce one’s exposure to possible causes and ensure that one focuses on a well-rounded diet and regular exercise. Nevertheless, your chances of developing chronic illness are also influenced by factors out of your control, for example having family members with chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and more makes you more likely to develop one yourself. For many people, it is hard to overcome the eating habits of childhood or ones they mirrored from their parents making it even more difficult to reduce the increasing number of people with chronic illnesses. 

Due to this rising threat, governments are working towards rules and guidelines to prevent the development of chronic diseases. Bans targeting artificial trans fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease, were set in Europe and the United States. Another idea promoted to decrease health risks for the population is the “taxation” of unhealthy products, to “reflect the medical and societal costs of their use” (“How We Prevent Chronic Diseases and Promote Health | CDC”)

Additionally, several policies ensuring the fluoridation of community water systems in the United States and several European countries, including Germany, were implemented. Preventative care is another major tool used to combat chronic illness. Under the Affordable Care Act, four types of preventative care services are provided: screenings and counseling, routine immunizations, preventive services for women, and preventive services for children and youth. These services aim to recognize and stop the spread of the diseases, in a best-case scenario preventing them from having any adverse effects on the patient. (Waddill)