The list of chronic noncommunicable diseases is extensive. It includes cardiovascular diseases, malignant neoplasms, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. A comprehensive approach aimed at maintaining stable health, preventing relapses, and improving quality of life can help prevent exacerbations.
There are several basic rules of prevention. One of them is treatment. «It is important to follow the drug therapy prescribed by your doctor and not stop taking medications on your own when you start feeling better. Regular self-monitoring can also help: measure your blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and pulse regularly, keep a health diary, undergo routine medical check-ups and examinations on time, and see your doctor before an exacerbation develops. Most importantly, know the first signs that your condition is worsening and have a clear action plan and a first-aid kit,» Snezhana Kavrigo said.
The next step in preventing exacerbations is to maintain a healthy lifestyle: completely avoid smoking, including popular alternatives such as vapes and hookahs. It is also recommended to limit alcohol consumption as much as possible or give it up completely.
«Physical activity plays a major role. Moderate regular exercise, such as walking, swimming or therapeutic exercise, should account for at least 150 minutes a week. It is also important to control your weight and maintain an optimal BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. There is also the principle of a ‘smart diet’ (a diet similar to the Mediterranean diet). Vegetables and greens should make up half of your plate at every meal. For better health, it is advisable to reduce salt intake to five grams a day and avoid hidden salt in processed foods, sauces, and pickled products. Another important rule is to minimize sugar. This means avoiding refined carbohydrates, sugary carbonated drinks, packaged juices, and commercially produced sweets. It is advisable to replace saturated animal fats with vegetable oils and add oily fish, nuts and seeds to your diet,» the expert said.
Another way to prevent a worsening of well-being is to maintain protection against infections. «This requires routine vaccination, including an annual flu shot. For people with heart and lung diseases, vaccination against pneumococcal infection is particularly important. Wash your hands with soap regularly for at least 20 seconds and use hand sanitizers in public places. Avoid crowded places during seasonal outbreaks. Wear protective masks in crowded areas. Eliminating sources of infection, including timely treatment of tooth decay and chronic ENT infections, can also help prevent exacerbations,» she explained.
Psycho-emotional stability is another key to good health. Quality sleep of seven to eight hours a night can help achieve it. «Keep a regular schedule: go to bed and get up at the same time, in complete darkness and a cool environment. Learn basic relaxation techniques such as deep diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. Take short breaks during the working day. Clearly separate work and personal life and avoid overexertion. Maintain good relations with family, friends or support groups, and do not isolate yourself with your illness,» the expert advised.
