The term “chronic illness” may apply to a wide range of medical conditions. Traditionally, it refers to a disease that the affected individual must continually mitigate against (typically with medication and/or physical therapy) for an indefinite period of time. The CDC lists stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis as five of the most common chronic illnesses found among all U.S. citizens; in recent years, obesity has also been included on this list.

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