Chronic Disease

A chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, is a disease that is long-lasting or recurrent. Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. They account for 70% of all deaths in the U.S., which is 1.7 million each year. These diseases also cause major limitations in daily living for almost 1 out of 10 Americans or about 25 million people.

Chronic diseases affect the lives of six million New Yorkers and account for 73% of deaths in New York State annually. Of the 157,000 deaths in New York State in 2002, 114,000 were attributable to the top five chronic diseases. The proportion of deaths due to chronic disease in New York is somewhat higher than that of the United States, primarily because of higher deaths from diseases of the heart.

Although common and costly, many chronic diseases are also preventable. Many chronic diseases are linked to lifestyle choices that are within your own hands to change. Eating nutritious foods, becoming more physically active and avoiding tobacco can help keep you from developing many of these diseases and conditions. Even if you already have diabetes, heart disease, arthritis or another chronic condition, eating more healthful food and getting more exercise, whether it's a brisk walk, a bike ride, a jog or a swim, can help you better manage your illness, avoid complications and prolong your life.

For more information, click on each disease or condition below:

Cancer

Cardiovascular Disease

Diabetes

Tobacco Use and Secondhand Smoke

Click here for more information on the following Chronic Diseases and Conditions:

Arthritis

Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Cystic Fibrosis

Eating Disorders

End Stage Renal Disease - See The State of Diabetes in New York State: A Surveillance Report (1997 - 2004) (PDF, 65KB, 6pg.)