Chronic DiseaseMost prevalent chronic diseases within the Bosnian population:
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Risk FactorsSeveral risk factors for chronic disease are:
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Groups at Highest Risk of Chronic Disease
The elderly are most prone to experiencing under-nutrition and disease due to physiological and psycho-social factors. It was also reported that women have an overall greater risk for disease than men. Furthermore, 49% of men and 30% of women in Bosnia smoke which further increases the risk for chronic disease.
Common Issues
Much of the population only goes to the doctor for current ailments but not for information on preventative measures. Although the awareness of public health has increased, there is not a sufficient number of qualified professionals to accommodate everyone.
Nutrient Guidelines and Goals to Live a Healthy Life
- Choose nutrient dense foods that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial substances and relatively few calories without added sugars, refined grains, solid fats, and added sodium
- Limit meat and protein sources to 5.5 oz per day - the Bosnian diet is high in meat
- Limit red meat consumption since it is higher in saturated fat
- Choose fresh vegetables over pickled vegetables which contain added sodium from the brine
- Make half the grains whole grains to add more fiber to the diet - choose whole wheat bread, whole wheat pitas, and whole grains
- Limit intake of pastries and phyllo dough which contain added fat and sugar
- Engage in physical activity on most days of the week to maintain a calorie balance over time
- For 21 and over, consume alcohol in moderation - 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women
Website Last Updated: November 20, 2012
Copyright © Kaitlin Andrews and Monica Tedesco, 2012