Chronic Diseases (Physical Health)

Chronic disease can occur at any age and usually begins slowly and develops gradually over time.  The most common chronic conditions include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, asthma and arthritis.

If you have a chronic disease, it is important that you work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and to help improve your overall quality of life.

What are the risk factors of chronic disease?

Some risk factors cannot be changed, such as age, gender, family history, and ethnicity.  Other risk factors that are within your control are related to your lifestyle choices and personal habits:

  • poor nutrition;
  • physical inactivity;
  • smoking; and
  • excess alcohol use.

These risk factors can also bring on other associated risk factors such as:

  • high blood pressure;
  • high blood sugar;
  • excess body fat; and
  • high cholesterol.

Improved awareness of risk levels for developing chronic conditions and diseases (through screening, blood sugar testing and blood pressure checks) can support individuals in making healthier choices.  Furthermore, with good management practices, persons living with chronic conditions and diseases can extend and improve the quality of their lives.  If you are a Health PEI employee with health benefits, you have access to a free on-line Personal Health Risk Assessment tool.  You are encouraged to make use of this opportunity to learn how you can reduce and manage the risks to your health.

What can I do to help manage my chronic condition?

For helpful tips and tools on healthy living, view the Passport to Health [PDF]. 

Other resources

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