Health and illness are not separate, disconnected states, but rather follow a path that can move in two different directions, either toward health or toward illness.
On this path, many factors, including one’s biological makeup; certain unhealthy behaviors, such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress and poor sleep; as well as social aspects of life – the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age – can lead to chronic diseases of multiple organ systems. On the other hand, self-care, lifestyle and behavioral interventions can contribute to the return to health.
Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and degenerative joint diseases, can also occur with chronic pain, depression, and opioid abuse, all conditions exacerbated by chronic stress. Certain chronic illnesses increase the immediate and long-term risks of COVID-19 infection. Understanding the condition a person has been experiencing, addressing behaviors early, and managing stress can not only prevent multiple illnesses, but also help restore health and stop disease progression throughout of a person’s life.
