Chronic Disease

Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition is dedicated to the reduction of all forms of chronic disease, including:  

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Cancer 
• Chronic pulmonary disease 

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 a chronic disease, or living with someone with a chronic disease, CHCC can connect you with community supports and resources to help you 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 a chronic disease in the U.S. 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 disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S.; 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 five days a week, has been shown to lower risk of chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Poor Nutrition - Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables 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 preventable death in the U.S. Each year, approximately 443,000 people die prematurely due to disease caused by tobacco. After quitting smoking, the chance of developing cardiovascular disease begins 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 such as heart attacks, and also contributes to unintended pregnancy and interpersonal violence.

See Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Keep Me Well

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

Go to: www.keepmewell.org to take this free health assessment and assess your risk for chronic disease.