Often exacerbated by lifestyle choices, chronic disease persists as the number one driver of healthcare costs in the US. The COVID-19 pandemic presented us with so many unforeseen challenges, and it’s no secret that many Americans picked up some unhealthy habits during lockdown.
A new study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine uncovered the fact that US adult obesity rates were higher and worsened the pre-existing epidemic of adult obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study speculates that higher rates of alcohol consumption and lower smoking rates may have contributed to the higher rates of adult obesity.
It is well-documented that alcohol consumption and obesity are risk factors for numerous chronic diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. Six in 10 adults have at least one chronic disease and four in 10 have two or more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The good news is that many of the conditions can be avoided in the first place or better managed with simple diet and exercise changes. If these conditions are caught early and treated promptly, you can prevent complications that are more serious in the future. As we enter the warmer spring and summer months, it’s the perfect time to make a change and implement some healthy habits to reduce your risk of chronic disease.
Jump start your efforts to reduce your risk for chronic disease by joining the Long Island Health Collaborative and AARP for Talk with a Doc, a free Wellness Wednesdays Series via Zoom. Every other Wednesday throughout May, June, and July, medical professionals will speak about a different chronic disease and offer tips on how to better manage them. The virtual series will culminate in August with two in-person walks with doctors on Long Island.
Talk with a Doc: Health Benefits of Walking the Dog
Wednesday, May 4 at 11 a.m.
Dr. Maria Basile, President of the Suffolk County Medical Society, will talk about how walking remains one of the best forms of exercise and research shows that owning a dog increases the likelihood of sticking to a walking regimen.
Register Here
Talk with a Doc | Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Wednesday, May 18 at 11 a.m.
Primary care Dr. Keasha Guerrier of Northwell Health, explains easy steps you can take to better manage your diabetes or even prevent its onset.
Register Here
Talk with a Doc: Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Wednesday, June 1 at 11 a.m.
Neuropsychologist Dr. Christopher Christodoulou of Stony Brook Medicine’s Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease will discuss the newest treatments for these neurological conditions.
Register Here
Talk with a Doc: Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure
Wednesday, June 15 at 11 a.m.
Cardiologist Dr. Louise Spadaro of Catholic Health will talk about simple ways to keep your blood pressure under control and your heart healthy.
Register Here
Talk with a Doc: Arthritis and Osteoporosis
Wednesday, June 29 at 11 a.m.
Join Dr. Stelios Koutsoumbelis, an orthopedic spinal surgeon, of Catholic Health to learn more about the advancements in orthopedic care and what simple measures you can take in your daily life to keep your joints nimble and bones strong.
Register Here
Talk with a Doc: Breathe! Asthma, Bronchitis, and COPD
Wednesday, July 13 at 11 a.m.
A doc will talk about how you can learn to breathe easier and the emerging science behind environmental factors that affect the pulmonary system.
Register Here
Walk Safe with a Doc (in-person event)
Saturday, August 6 at 11 a.m.
Join Dr. Keasha Guerrier of Northwell Health at Suffolk County’s Belmont Lake State Park.
Register Here
Walk Safe with a Doc (in-person event)
Saturday, August 13 at 11 a.m.
Join Dr. Stelios Koutsoumbelis of Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital at Nassau County’s Jones Beach State Park. Register Here
Questions? Email Brooke Oliveri, Manager of the LIHC at boliveri@nshc.org or call 631-963-4167.