Chronic diseases on the rise in Hamilton County, doctors say

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn.  (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Health Department is seeing a trend in chronic diseases like obesity and high blood pressure. 

“Just like everywhere across the country, we are seeing an increase in chronic diseases. It is the number one cause of death and disability in Hamilton County, Tennessee and the U.S.,” said Dr. Dawn Ford, Epidemiologist at Hamilton County Health Department.   

Other chronic diseases include stroke, diabetes and conditions that are not contagious, but they often share one thing in common. 

Dr. Dawn Ford with the health department believes this boils down to lifestyle choices.  

“Chronic disease is mostly a result of our lifestyle and our choices. So, what we eat and moving our bodies around. And so, because we’re increasingly living a sedentary lifestyle, chronic diseases are increasing,” she added.  

According to the health department, obesity is the highest form of chronic disease in Hamilton County. 

“A couple more chronic diseases that we did mention, one is asthma, which has been increasing in Hamilton County over the past few years, particularly in children. And then, also cancer is considered a chronic disease we do see,” Ford explained. 

However, Dr. Ford says chronic diseases can be preventable. 

“Trying to eat a more healthy diet, fresh produce, less fast food, and exercising more. Just in simply getting up and moving around, like when you’re at work if you have a desk job, for example. So, those kinds of things can all help contribute to reducing the prevalence of chronic disease,” Dr. Ford said.