Chronic Disease

Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition is dedicated to the reduction of chronic diseases such as  

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Cancers 
• Chronic pulmonary diseases and many others
  

We work toward this reduction through increasing awareness and implementing interventions in our communities with various partners. CHCC promotes early detection of chronic disease through education and medical screenings. For those living with, or living with someone with, a chronic disease CHCC can connect persons with community supports and resources to help manage the disease, and ultimately help ensure a healthier lifestyle and a greater quality of life.

Chronic Disease Facts

• As of March 5th, approximately 295,210 people have died from chronic diseases this year.
• Diabetes continues to be the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower extremity amputations, and blindness among adults, aged 20-74. 
• Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the US; accounting for 70 percent of deaths each year. Over 50 percent of these deaths are directly caused by heart disease, cancer and strokes. 
• In 2005, 133 million Americans – almost 1 out of every 2 adults – had at least one chronic illness. A quarter of people suffering from chronic illnesses have one or more daily activity limitations. 
• Arthritis is the most common cause of disability. Nearly 19 million Americans report activity limitations due to arthritis.
  

See Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Common Causes of Chronic Disease:

• Lack of Physical Activity - Being physically active for 150 minutes a week, 30 minutes of walking 5 days a week, has been shown to lower risk of chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
• Poor Nutrition - Eating 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day reduces the risk of heart disease. Proper nutrition and reduction of saturated fats reduces the likelihood of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.
• Tobacco Use - Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventative death in the US. Each year, approximately 443,000 people die prematurely due to disease caused by tobacco. After quitting smoking, the chances of developing cardiovascular disease begin decreasing just 20 minutes after smoking that last cigarette. 
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption- Excessive alcohol consumption is the third leading cause of preventable deaths. It is associated with many forms of chronic disease including heart attacks, unintended pregnancy and interpersonal violence.
  

See Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Keep Me Well

In efforts to reduce the impact of chronic disease, Governor’s Baldacci announced a wellness initiative to make Maine the healthiest state in the nation.  As part of this initiatve KeepMEWell has been developed.  KeepMEWell is an online resource toolkit that is designed to link those without insurance, and those who are underinsured to low cost health care. It is also a health risk assessment that will help all Mainers assess their risk for chronic diseases, improve their health through education, and link them to local resources that can help with disease prevention and management.

Go to: www.KeepMeWell.org (Hyperlink) to take this free health assessment and access your risk for chronic disease.