Infectious Disease

By definition a chronic disease is one that is very long lasting. Chronic diseases are

non-communicable and can be treated, but cannot be cured. Specific example of chronic

illnesses are as heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis. Infectious diseases

are caused by contact to specific pathogens. An infectious disease tends to differ from

chronic ones as they are treatable and often times curable. An infectious or

communicable disease is contagious and caused by a biological agent. Examples of

infectious are hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Both chronic and infectious diseases can

be detrimental to an individuals health and well being.. Becoming educated and

understanding the reasoning behind chronic and infectious diseases and how to prevent

them from occurring can save a person's life The focus of this paper is to discuss and

describe the characteristics of both chronic and infectious illnesses.

Chronic diseases can be very difficult to detect. Chronic illnesses are diseases that

begin and proceed slowly. In most cases they can develop and spread so slowly

that a person can be ill for a prolonged amount of time before it is discovered.

Chronic diseases can be caused by multiple factors that may vary over time. Such factors

can include heredity, lifestyle factors and environmental factors. Lifestyle factors can

include lack of exercise, unhealthy diet or tobacco use. Exposure to radiation and

workplace hazards are specific examples of potential environmental factors.

An example of a chronic illness that can be prevented and controlled by a healthy is

heart disease. Heart disease is caused by the narrowing of small blood vessels that supply

blood and oxygen to the heart. According to the American Heart Association, Heart

disease is the number one cause of death of in the United States. A healthy nutritional

program can help prevent and control most forms of heart diseases. Eating a healthy, well

balanced diet can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Eating healthy can not only

help maintain healthy cholesterol levels but can help ensure that a person maintains a

healthy weight and can help prevent high blood pressure. It is essential to consume a

large array of fruits and vegetables and limit foods containing large amounts of saturated

fats and refined sugars. In addition to this a person needs to monitor his or her sodium

intake. Another important component to a healthy lifestyle is exercise. Regular exercise

can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight and strengthen

the heart muscle. All of this can most definitely help prevent and ease the symptoms of

heart disease.

The purposes of the immune system is protect the body from infections that can exist

outside the body and keep it safe when they invade the bloodstream. The immune system

is comprised of organs known as lymphoid organs and white blood cells. Lymphoid

organs