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Nikeyia Ingram, 38, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD) at just 6 months old, experiences pain nearly every day due to the red blood cell disorder. Most days, she’s able to treat the pain and manage her disease by controlling her stress, staying hydrated and keeping in touch with her medical team. Lately, Ingram has been finding that grief has been affecting her ability to manage her disease. Last year, she lost her 15-year-old, Demetrius Ingram, her only son, in a car accident. The heartache exacerbates her pain.

An epidemic of chronic diseases continues to grow in the United States; half the population — an estimated 129 million Americans — have lifelong health conditions that need continuous medical attention and limit certain daily activities.

Every day for the next five years, 10,000 Baby Boomers will turn 65, and by 2030, 18 percent of the U.S. population will be age 65 or older according to the Pew Research Center. While old age certainly doesn’t begin at 65, it’s not unreasonable to think as we age, we may need help from loved ones. Millions of Americans already act as caregivers each year.

What is the difference between cardiovascular disease and heart disease?

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term that encompasses several heart conditions, including heart disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure and peripheral artery disease.