- Home
- Departments
- Public Health
- Chronic Disease Prevention
Chronic Disease Prevention
Chronic diseases - such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes - are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Healthy lifestyle choices can help lower the risk of developing many of these chronic diseases.
Our chronic disease prevention program works to reduce the impacts of chronic diseases in the community and increase the lifespan of community members through education, community partnerships, and connecting community members with resources.
3-4-50
Did you know that 3 healthy behaviors lower your chances for 4 chronic diseases that cause about 50% of deaths in the US?
| 3 Healthy Behaviors | Lower your chances of 4 chronic diseases | That cause more than 50% of deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy eating Physical activity Not using tobacco products | Cancer Cardiovascular diseases like heart disease Diabetes Lung diseases like COPD | In Schuyler County, about 51% of deaths are caused by cancer, lung diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. |
Learn more about the 3-4-50 chronic disease prevention framework by visiting: https://www.healthvermont.gov/wellness/3-4-50-prevent-chronic-disease
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find tips for eating healthy?
Healthy eating can help with weight management, improve immunity, sleep quality, brain function, heart health, and help lower the chances of certain cancers and other health conditions.
You can find advice for healthy eating by visiting MyPlate.gov. On this website, you can also use the MyPlate Plan Calculator to help identify how much of each food group you should eat in a day.
SNAP-Ed of New York can also provide information on how to save time and money while eating healthy. The website includes recipes, tips, and more. Individuals who qualify can learn more about Schuyler County's SNAP-Ed program available through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County. Through the program, eligible individuals can find recipes, tips and free food demos, classes, workshops, grocery store tours and more. Visit https://cceschuyler.org/food-nutrition/snap-ed-ny
What is the best way to stay physically active and get exercise?
The best way to stay physically active is whatever works best for you. There are many types of activities you can do to help you stay healthy. You can hike the beautiful trails and gorges of our community, run, lift weights, do yoga, participate in sports, or other exercise. Learn about physical activity basics and your health by visiting https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/about/index.html. You can also get physical activity in your daily life like:
- Going for walks outside, around a store, on a treadmill, or another location that works for you.
- Doing work around your home like vacuuming, cleaning, mowing the lawn, gardening, or doing a home improvement project.
Physical activity is important for everyone. If you have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs (a mobility disability), you can find tips on how to stay active by visiting: https://www.cdc.gov/disability-and-health/articles-documents/physical-activity-for-people-with-disability.html. Talk with your provider if you have concerns. They can help you come up with a plan that works best to fit your needs.
How can I quit smoking or stop using other tobacco products?
Most health insurance plans cover smoking cessation. You can talk to your healthcare provider about quitting and medications that may help.
You can also contact the New York State Quitline. Call 1-866-NYQUITS (1-866-697-8487), text (716) 309-4688, or visit http://www.nysmokefree.com for information or to chat with a Quit Coach. This free and confidential program helps New York residents who want to stop vaping, smoking, or using other types of tobacco.
Youth and young adults (ages 13-24) who vape and want to quit can text DROPTHEVAPE to 88709 for FREE and anonymous support 24/7.
Learn more about tobacco cessation resources by clicking here.
How can I get screened for cancer?
Talk to your primary care provider about what cancer screenings you may need. You can also reach out to the New York State Cancer Services Program.
The New York State Cancer Services Program offers cancer screenings at no cost to people who:
- Live in New York State
- Do not have health insurance
- Have health insurance with a cost share that may prevent a person from obtaining screening and/or diagnostic services
- Meet income eligibility requirements
- Meet age requirements
Call the New York State Cancer Services Program of the Southern Tier at 607-778-3900. You can also call the statewide Cancer Services Program's toll-free number 1-866-442-CANCER (1-866-442-2262) which has operators available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What are lung diseases and how do I know if I have one?
Lung diseases can cause breathing problems and may make it so your body isn't getting enough oxygen. Some warning signs of lung disease can include a nagging cough, slight wheeze, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, and pain or discomfort while breathing. Talk to your primary care provider if you are having any of these issues.
How do I know if I am at risk for diabetes or prediabetes?
Most people don't have any visible signs or symptoms of prediabetes or diabetes to start with. However, when your body can't regulate your blood sugar well due to diabetes it can lead to serious health issues over time, including heart disease, kidney disease, amputations, vision loss, and a variety of other health issues. Take the prediabetes risk assessment by clicking here and talk to your primary care provider.
What are cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular diseases are conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. This includes diseases like coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease, aneurysms, arrhythmias, and blood clots. Learn about these conditions, along with their treatment options, diagnostic tests, and more by visiting https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease.
What are the symptoms of a stroke and what should I do if someone is having one?
Use the letters in F.A.S.T. to spot a stroke:
- F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
- A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
- T = Time to call 911 – Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Call 911 immediately. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appeared.
Learn more at https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms.
What if I already have a chronic disease?
Even if you have heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or another chronic condition, eating healthy, being physically activity, taking your prescribed medications, and quitting tobacco can help you improve your health and prolong your life. Talk to your primary care provider about ways to improve your health and quality of life. You can also visit https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes-prevention/lifestyle-change-program/find-a-program.html to find a Lifestyle Change Program that can help you improve your health.
Looking for resources or to learn more about the program?
Call our office at 607-535-8140.
You can also check out the following resources:
- Chronic Disease | New York State Department of Health
- This is the NYSDOH website about chronic diseases. It includes information about the different types of chronic diseases and conditions as well as data, resources, and health tips. For specific related topics, visit the following links on their website:
- Asthma | New York State Department of Health
- Cancer | New York State Department of Health
- Cardiovascular Disease | New York State Department of Health
- Diabetes | New York State Department of Health
- COPD | New York State Department of Health
- Stroke | New York State Department of Health
- Physical Activity | New York State Department of Health
- Tobacco Control Program| New York State Department of Health
- This is the NYSDOH website about chronic diseases. It includes information about the different types of chronic diseases and conditions as well as data, resources, and health tips. For specific related topics, visit the following links on their website:
- Chronic Disease | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- This is the CDC website about chronic diseases. It includes information about chronic diseases, what steps can be taken to help prevent them, data, and other resources.
- New York State Cancer Services Program
- This New York State Department of Health website includes information about the NYS Cancer Services Program. The program provides breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services at no cost to eligible New Yorkers.