Thriving with chronic illness is possible, says UCI Health expert
The experience is not always synonymous with suffering
February 13, 2025
IN THE NEWS: Chronic conditions — diseases that slowly develop and last anywhere from months to a lifetime — are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While 60% of Americans have a chronic illness, there is no defining experience, Dr. Israel De Alba told Yahoo Life. De Alba is an internist at UCI Health, powered by UC Irvine.
“Having a chronic illness is not the same experience for everyone. Some require minimal treatment and have a minor impact on daily activities. Others are very severe, expensive to care for and rapidly progress.”
Whatever the experience, it’s possible to thrive with a chronic illness such as heart disease, arthritis or cancer.
“It’s true that there’s no cure for chronic illnesses, but millions of people with chronic conditions can live a happy and productive life with the right care and support.”
De Alba is an internist with UCI Health Hospitalist Services and a professor in the Hospital Medicine Program at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. His research interests include health disparities and detection and prevention of cancer.
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