Young and Sick: Understanding The Epidemic of Chronic Disease Among Patients Under 40

Accounting for over 70% of deaths worldwide, chronic diseases – such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer – are well-known for their long-term, progressive nature. As one of the leading causes of disability, chronic health conditions not only affect the individual’s quality of life but also significantly impact society’s economic burden.

These conditions have traditionally been associated with aging, but we now witness a worrying trend of chronic disease among young adults. The prevalence of chronic diseases among patients under 40 is increasing at an alarming rate, posing a significant challenge for healthcare systems, professionals, and patients.

The systemic implications of a silent epidemic of chronic disease among young adults underscore the importance of understanding the underlying causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies that can enable early detection and effective treatment. Such an approach can not only improve population health outcomes but also help reduce the overall burden on healthcare systems and socio-economic conditions.

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The Pharmacist’s Role in Functional Medicine

By Lauren Castle, PharmD, MS – Founder & CEO, FMPhA.org 

In the fields of anti-aging, integrative, and functional medicine, pharmacists have long been sought after as members of the patient care team, particularly for their unique scope of practice to compound customized medications for patients. But in recent years, the role of the pharmacist on functional medicine care teams has expanded well beyond the compounding counter.

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Inflammation, Hormones, and Health: Navigating the Complex Connection

Systemic inflammation, often called chronic low-grade inflammation, can persist for long periods without apparent symptoms making it difficult to identify and manage. Common signs of inflammation, such as fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, skin changes, and cognitive issues, may often be mistaken for other conditions leaving many patients without a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Chronic systemic inflammation contributes to the vast majority of chronic health conditions, including autoimmune diseases, type 2 diabetes, hormone imbalances, and other serious health issues. As awareness of its role in disease pathogenesis grows, an expanding body of research furthers our understanding of the numerous and intricate connections between inflammation and aspects of health.

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