|
Chronic diseases—such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes—are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. These diseases account for 7 of every 10 deaths and affect the quality of life of 90 million Americans. Although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also among the most preventable. Adopting healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, being physically active, and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or control the devastating effects of these diseases. (Resource: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/) DISCLAIMER – This information is not intended to replace your physician’s advice. Topics
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), primarily heart disease and stroke, causes more deaths in Americans of both genders and all racial and ethnic groups than any other disease. It is also one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. CVD costs an estimated $300 billion annually as measured in health care expenditures, medications, and lost productivity due to disability and death.
Conditioning For a Healthy Heart
CVD Website Resources American Heart Association: Misconceptions of Cholesterol Center for Disease Control: Heart Statistics Kids Health: Kid Friendly Recipes for Their Heart National Institute on Health: Heart Disease Definition Risk Assessment: Click on the Computer AHA The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease: Exercise Tips World Heart Federation: Children and Youth
Bones play many roles in the body. They provide structure, protect organs, anchor muscles, and store calcium. Adequate calcium consumption and weight bearing physical activity build strong bones, optimizes bone mass, and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
Osteoporosis Website Resources Kids Health: Help your children reduce risk of bone loss! National Osteoporosis Foundation: What is Osteoporosis? National Institute on Health: Osteoporosis and related diseases.
Each year in the United States, diabetes is diagnosed in about 800,000 people. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting the body's ability to make or use insulin. Diabetes causes a variety of disabling and life-threatening complications and is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations, blindness among working-age adults, and end-stage kidney disease. Diabetes Resource Guide for NW PA
American Diabetes Association – Type 2 Diabetes Erie County Diabetes Association Great Lakes Diabetes Institute Erie PA National Institute of Health – Children and Diabetes Resources St. Vincent Diabetes Education Program
Overweight and obesity are a result of energy imbalance over a long period of time. The cause of energy imbalance for each individual may be due to a combination of several factors. Individual behaviors, environmental factors, and genetics all contribute to the complexity of the obesity epidemic.
Body Mass Index: What is your number? The current definitions commonly in use establish the following values, agreed in 1997 and published in 2000:
Obesity Website Resources Center for Disease Control: Contributing Factors to Overweight Teens Health: Get tips to keep them at a healthy weight! Working with Your Doctor to Overcome Overweight & Obesity
Request for a speaker or information
Have any questions about chronic disease prevention, management, and more resources? Contact us!
|
Diabetes Website Resources
