Live Better

Chronic Disease Self-Management on Long Island

Chronic Diseases · noun · /kron-ik dih-zeez/ -

conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention, or limit activities of daily living or both. The leading causes of death and disability in the United States

According to the CDC, the leading cause of illness, disability, and death in the United States is chronic disease. There is a short list of risk factors that may lead to chronic disease, including smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption. Common chronic diseases include arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Chronic conditions can also include anxiety, depression, and other long-term mental, behavioral, and/or cognitive health conditions.

The good news is we have control over daily lifestyle choices that can prevent the onset of chronic disease. Physical activity, proper nutrition, and other daily activities can help us maintain and improve mobility, prevent disease, and ensure quality of life as we age.

Quit Smoking

Stopping smoking can significantly lower risk, even for those who are longtime smokers. The CDC provides a guide on how to quit and includes countless resources. If you don’t smoke, quit while you’re ahead by not starting. Learn more about smoking cessation tips and local resources here.

Improve Nutrition

Eating healthy is a key to improved health. An ideal, healthy, and balanced diet should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. Try to limit sugars, saturated fats, and sodium where possible. Learn more about nutrition, food security, and local resources here.

Good Mental Hygiene

Maintaining good mental health is just as important as maintaining good physical health. More about steps you can take to improve and maintain your mental health and local resources to come!

Keep reading to learn about general tips and local programs for preventing or managing chronic illnesses.

More General Tips for Chronic Disease Prevention

Recognizing and understanding the risk factors associated with chronic diseases can help you prevent illness. To take preventative action and work towards a healthier lifestyle, incorporate the following tips in your day-to-day activities:

Get Physically Active – Engaging in regular exercise is another great way to support your body and help prevent chronic diseases. Include at least 150 minutes of moderately intense activity (brisk walking, tennis, etc.) and 2 sessions of muscle-strengthening activities each week.

Drink Less Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption leads to many health risks. Be mindful of these risks and lower alcohol intake. If possible, consider only drinking alcohol on holidays or cutting it out entirely.

Get Screened – One key step in preventing chronic disease is visiting your doctor regularly for preventative services and care. Screening tests can help identify potential health issues before symptoms begin. Take care of your teeth and visit your dentist at least once a year to prevent painful oral diseases.

Prioritize Sleep – Your sleeping habits have a bigger impact than you might think. Insufficient sleep has been linked to countless health issues and can put great stress on the body. Many people do not get enough sleep throughout the week. Adults should get at least 7 hours of sleep each day.

Be Knowledgeable - Knowing your family health history can help you identify if you may be more prone to chronic diseases. Keep note of your family history, share it with your health providers, and work with your doctors to take preventative steps or catch diseases early on.

General Tips for Chronic Disease Self-Management

In the United States, 6 in 10 adults are affected by chronic conditions. The preventative tips given above should be taken into consideration when managing chronic disease as well. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help you feel well and avoid complications that may come with chronic illness.

Maintain a Treatment Plan - Speak with your doctor to develop a treatment plan and be sure to discuss medication, equipment, and other special instructions. Take your medications as prescribed and meet with your doctor regularly to make sure your plan is working.

Monitor Your Health - Being aware of your condition and keeping track of your symptoms at home is essential. Some treatment plans may involve checking your blood pressure or other health numbers regularly. Have a schedule, keep track of symptoms or changes, and communicate with your doctor whenever you have concerns.

Learn About Your Condition – Having a better understanding of your condition can help you to better track your symptoms and make informed choices about your health.

Stay Active – Being physical active can immediately help you feel and function better, improve sleep, have independence, control your weight, improve your mental health, and decrease pain. Remember that some activity is better than none and try to set goals that match your abilities.

Find Programs – Self-management programs provide skills for managing your condition, improving your lifestyle habits, limiting stress, and feeling well. Keep reading for a list of self-management programs and organizations accessible on Long Island.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs on Long Island

There are many available resources on Long Island to guide you and your loved ones in making healthy lifestyle choices.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program – Catholic Health

Diabetes Self-Management Education Program – Catholic Health

Diabetes Empowerment and Education Program – Huntington Hospital

Chronic Disease Prevention & Recovery Programs – The YMCA

Alzheimer’s Association Education Programs – Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter

Health Home Care Management for Adults – Association for Mental Health and Wellness

Asthma Self-Management Training – Catholic Health

Heart Failure (Cardiac Wellness) Program – Mount Sinai South Nassau

Enhance Fitness Class – Project Enhance

Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Webinars – New York State Office for the Aging

Live Better, For Good

Whether you are taking steps to prevent or manage chronic diseases, these lifestyle habits can improve your quality of life. Developing healthy habits, getting regular exercise, having balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and communicating with your doctors is the key to feeling well. Stay educated and informed about chronic illnesses by doing your own research, speaking with your doctor, attending programs and workshops, and paying attention to your body. When you make better lifestyle choices, you will feel better in your day-to-day life for years to come.

Live Better and the NYS Prevention Agenda

The Long Island Health Collaborative’s Live Better and Feel Better Campaigns are inspired by and aligned with the mission of the New York State Prevention Agenda, or PA. We believe every individual in New York State (and on Long Island!) should have the opportunity, regardless of background or circumstances, to attain their highest level of health across the lifespan. Learn more about the NYS Prevention Agenda and its priority areas here.

Campaign Resources for LIHC Member Organizations TO COME