Chronic Disease

By making healthy choices you can prevent, delay, and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart health, and certain types of cancer. In this section, access resources from Penn State Extension Educators to help manage your daily life.

Chronic Disease Prevention

In the United States, chronic illnesses are among the most common health problems. Many of them, including obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, are linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices. Frequently, chronic diseases – as well as nutrition-related diseases – can be prevented by making positive diet changes and getting enough exercise.

Being active and eating a balanced, heart-healthy diet is vital at any stage of life. To prevent long-term illnesses, try to eat more fruits, green vegetables, legumes, fish, and whole grains. In addition, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.

Changing your diet and lifestyle can be overwhelming, therefore it’s sensible to start by making small adjustments. Even simple changes such as limiting fast foods and processed foods can reduce your cancer risk.

Alcohol and Tobacco Use

It is recommended to avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. Both smoking and alcohol use can have many health consequences that increase the risk of high blood pressure, liver disease, as well as lung, colorectal, throat, and breast cancer. Also, high alcohol intake can cause bone loss and damage, raising the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

It’s important to note that secondhand smoke can be harmful, as well. Being exposed to secondhand smoke on a regular basis increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.

Living With Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive and terminal disease that attacks the brain. The disease causes memory and behavior problems and affects a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, understanding the basics of it can help you cope better.

During Penn State Extension’s Understanding Alzheimer's Disease workshop, learn more about the disease, and receive helpful resources. The workshop discusses, among other matters, treatment practices, risk factors, and stages of the disease.

To discover lifestyle habits that can help maintain and improve health at any age, consider the Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body workshop. Topics covered include cognitive activity, diet and nutrition, physical health, and social engagement.

Living With Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to get and use glucose. This causes sugars to build up in the bloodstream, raising the risk of health complications such as stroke and vision loss.

Management strategies depend on the type of diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes often need to make lifestyle changes that stimulate weight loss and overall health.

Penn State Extension offers educational programs for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Discover how to successfully manage the disease with the Dining with Diabetes program and master cooking techniques and recipes during the Let's Cook Healthy workshop.

Living With Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes airways to swell, making it difficult to breathe. An asthma attack can be triggered by many things including strenuous exercise, tobacco smoke, cold air, pollens, and stress.

The condition can be successfully controlled through medications and regular medical check-ups. Though there is no specific asthma diet, consuming nutritious foods can improve health and may reduce asthma symptoms.

On this page, find further information on preventing and managing chronic illnesses, as well as useful webinars, programs, and workshops.