Healthcare can be expensive, but some medical conditions are more expensive to treat than others. Understanding which health conditions are most expensive to treat, what is involved in those conditions, and the best ways to prevent them can assist you in making healthy living choices.
Heart Conditions
Estimates indicate that various heart conditions claim almost one million lives annually. Heart disease ranks number one as the most expensive condition to treat in the United States. Taking a proactive approach is the best way to reduce your chance of developing heart disease or the many complications that can result from it. The number one thing you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease is to work on maintaining a healthy weight. This can be done by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. If you smoke, it is also a good idea to work on quitting. In some instances, you may be more at risk for heart disease if you have a family history of such conditions. Consulting with your physician regarding various risk factors can help you to understand other steps you may be able to take to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Diabetes
Approximately 32 million people in the United States have Type 2 diabetes. Almost 30 percent of those patients are over the age of 65. Along with being quite prevalent, Type 2 diabetes is also one of the most expensive conditions in the country to treat. One of the problems with this disease that makes it so expensive to treat is that it is progressive. Consequently, it can lead to a number of other conditions that can also be expensive to treat. Examples of such ailments include blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease. If diabetes becomes severe enough, amputations may also be necessary. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important step in reducing your risk for developing diabetes. If you already have diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels in order to keep your diabetes under control.
Cancer
Invasive cancer affects more than 13 million people throughout North America. Each year, over half a million people die from cancer. Cancer is also now one of the top three most expensive conditions to treat. Methods for reducing your risk of cancer include eating a healthy diet and not smoking. It is also important to have health screenings on an annual basis. Your health insurance will often pay for such screenings. While an annual health screening will not reduce your risk of developing cancer, it can help your physician to detect this disease while it is still in the early stages, thus increasing your chances for a successful recovery.
Joint Conditions
The treatment of joint conditions accounts for approximately $60 billion each year. Some of the most common examples include osteoarthritis and arthritis. Osteoarthritis is currently one of the leading causes for knee and hip replacement surgery. Losing weight can reduce your risk for acquiring many joint conditions. The risk does increase with age. Regular exercise can help you to maintain a healthy weight. Low-impact exercises can be helpful for individuals over the age of 50.
Even if you have a family history of certain conditions, understanding how to mitigate your risks can help you to live a healthier life.
