Chronic Disease Prevention & Management
Chronic Diseases are defined by The World Health Organization as diseases of long duration and generally slow progression. Common themes found in other definitions state that chronic diseases:
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Have many causes but often share common risk factors (i.e. tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating, and/or excessive alcohol use),
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Usually begin slowly and develop gradually over time
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Can occur at any age, although they become more common in later life
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Can impact quality of life and limit daily activities
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Require ongoing actions on a long-term basis to manage the disease, with involvement from individuals, health care providers and the community
Chronic diseases impact the health of the population as well as the sustainability of the health care system. Over half of Newfoundland and Labrador residents aged 12 years and older have at least one chronic disease; many people live with more than one.
These diseases and conditions affect a large portion of the population and have a significant impact on quality of life. Some of these include diabetes, stroke, lung disease, cancer, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. Managing Chronic Disease.
There are resources to support both patients and providers in Self-Management work. See links below:
For information on the Prevention of Chronic Diseases.
