Chronic Health Problems
Key Concepts/Main Points
- Discover any chronic health problems impacting the participant and help her to understand the illness’ affect on her life. Then discuss what she can do to help alleviate the problem and receive treatment.
- Know the difference between acute and chronic health problems.
- Recognize and understand the many benefits of healthy lifestyle choices.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do you know the difference between a chronic and an acute health problem?
- Chronic: can be severe or mild, but is long term (ex: asthma, diabetes, obesity)
- Acute: can also be severe or mild, but is short term (ex: a cold, the flu)
- How does your chronic health problem make you feel?
- What aspects of your chronic health problem or its treatment are hard to deal with?
- Do you currently do anything to alleviate the symptoms of your illness?
- (Non–CHP sufferer) Do you know how you can prevent a chronic health problem?
Preventing Chronic Health Problems
Some chronic health problems are caused by uncontrollable factors like genetics. However, many others can be prevented by living a healthy and active lifestyle. There are many screening tests available to catch chronic health problems early, which prevent early death and decrease health care costs.
Major Chronic Health Problems in America
- Heart Disease – the leading cause of death in the U.S. and of women
- Cancer – the second leading cause of death
- Stroke – the third leading cause of death
- Diabetes – the sixth leading cause of death. 1 in 3 Americans born in 2000 will develop this disease in their lifetime
Instructor Tips:
Section Goal: Identify any chronic health problem the participant may have and help her understand it and seek treatment. If the participant
has no chronic health problems, this section should encourage healthy habits aimed at preventing the development of a chronic disease.
Chronic Health Problems: Causes and Prevention
| Behavior | Increases Risk For | Prevention Strategies |
| Smoking | Cancer, heart disease | QUIT! Don’t just cut down. |
| No Exercise | Overweight, weak bones, diabetes, high blood pressure | 20–30 min of exercise daily |
| Poor Nutrition | Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke | More fruit and vegetables, plenty of fiber, water More fruit and vegetables, plenty of fiber, water |
| Overweight/obesity | Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, cancer | Move more, eat less, find help and support |
| High Blood Pressure | Heart disease, stroke | Regularly check blood pressure, take medication, reduce stress, eat healthy |
| High Blood Cholesterol | Heart disease, stroke | Check cholesterol, eat healthy, take medication |
| Lack of Mammography | Later stages of breast cancer | At 40, get screened every 1–2 years. Medicaid pays for this |
| Lack of colon screening | Later stages of colorectal cancer | At 50, talk to doctor about screening |
| Lack of health care coverage | Poor heath | Apply today, check for Medicaid eligibility |
Remember these healthy habits to reduce your risk for developing chronic health problems:
- Maintain a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and low–fat dairy
- Reduce salt intake
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Do 30 minutes of physical activity every day
- Quit smoking
- Monitor your blood pressure by knowing your numbers and what they mean
- Take all prescribed medication as recommended by your doctor
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Visit your medical professionals regularly
