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.
- Webinars
$10.00
Build Your Bones
When 01/21/2025Length 1.5 hours once a week for 7 weeksEvent Format Virtual | LiveJoin us for a 7-week series on preventing osteoporosis and maintaining bone health. Learn from Penn State experts about nutrition, exercises, and medications to stay strong and independent. - Articles
Formas Sencillas de Reducir el Riesgo de Cáncer
Aunque la genética, los antecedentes familiares y el entorno influyen en el riesgo de padecer cáncer, nuestros hábitos cotidianos en cuanto a lo que comemos, cómo vivimos y las decisiones que tomamos también juegan un papel muy importante. - Articles
Prevención del Cáncer Limitar las Carnes Rojas y Procesadas en la Dieta
Descubra cómo la selección de ciertos alimentos ricos en proteínas puede reducir el riesgo de cáncer. - Workshops
$39.00
Dining with Diabetes
When Multiple Options AvailableEvent Format In-PersonFor adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and their families, this program will increase your knowledge of healthy food choices and diabetes management. - Webinars
$35.00
Mental Health First Aid
When 12/03/2024Event Format Virtual | LiveMental health awareness is such an important factor in knowing how to help those in crisis find the help and care they need. - Webinars
Free
Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal and Financial Planning
When Multiple Options AvailableEvent Format Virtual | LiveLearn how to have honest and caring conversations about common concerns when someone begins to show signs of dementia during this virtual event. - Articles
Vaccine Information for Adults
Learn how to interpret vaccine messaging for adults so that you can make an informed choice about the next steps to protect your health. - Webinars
$15.00
Dining with Diabetes
When Multiple Options AvailableLength 5 sessionsEvent Format Virtual | LiveFor adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and their families, this program will increase your knowledge of healthy food choices and diabetes management. - Webinars
$35.00
Primeros Auxilios de Salud Mental en Español
When 12/04/2024Comprender la concienciación sobre la salud mental es crucial para ayudar eficazmente a las personas en crisis, garantizando que reciban la ayuda y la atención necesarias. - Webinars
$35.00
Mental Health First Aid in Spanish Language
When 12/04/2024Length 4 hours once a week for two weeksEvent Format Virtual | LiveUnderstanding mental health awareness is crucial for effectively aiding individuals in crisis, ensuring they receive the necessary help and care. - Webinars
Free
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
When Multiple Options AvailableEvent Format Virtual | LiveLearn about new research in healthy aging and strategies for aging well during this informative virtual event. - Webinars
Free
Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
When Multiple Options AvailableEvent Format Virtual | LiveLearn the basics of Alzheimer's and dementia during this webinar. - Webinars
Free
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
When Multiple Options AvailableLength 1 hourEvent Format Virtual | LiveLearn to recognize the common signs of Alzheimer's Disease during this informative virtual event. - Videos
How to Enjoy the Sun Safely
Length 4:33Learn about skin protective practices to decrease overexposure to the sun. This video provides examples of skin changes a doctor should examine. - Workshops
Mental Health First Aid
Length 7 hoursUnderstanding mental health awareness is crucial for effectively aiding individuals in crisis, ensuring they receive the necessary help and care. - Articles
You Have Prediabetes; Now What?
A prediabetes diagnosis might at first feel overwhelming, but this article shows you how you can take charge of your condition. - Webinars
Mental Health First Aid for Lehigh County Residents
Length Two days, 3.25 hours each dayUnderstanding mental health awareness is crucial for effectively aiding individuals in crisis, ensuring they receive the necessary help and care. - Articles
Nutrition Links
The Nutrition Links program offers free nutrition education programs to participants eligible for public assistance to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve a healthful diet on a limited budget. - Tools and Apps
Heart Health Journey
Introducing major changes into our daily lives can be challenging. Choosing a heart-healthy lifestyle is like setting off on a journey – it requires a step-by-step approach. - Articles
Meaningful Engagement for People with Dementia
Offering meaningful activities for people with dementia can enhance their self-esteem and well-being. Finding the right activity requires knowledge of the person's interests, needs, and abilities. - Articles
Simple Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk
While environment, family history, and genetics influence the risk of developing cancer, our everyday habits in terms of what we eat, how we live, and the choices we make play a significant role. - Articles
How to Safely Wear a Cloth Mask
This infographic shows the steps for how to properly wear a cloth mask. - Articles
Como Usar Una Mascarilla de Forma Segura
Esta gráfica muestra el uso apropiado de la máscara de tela. - Articles
Well Connected Communities
The Well Connected Communities program is aimed at empowering communities to come together to help their residents be healthier at every stage of life.