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
$35.00
Mental Health First Aid for Adults Working with Youth
When Multiple Options AvailableLearn to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among youth ages 12-18 in this blended virtual course. - Workshops
Free
Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
When Multiple Options AvailableLength 1 hourLearn the basics of Alzheimer's and dementia during this informative in-person workshop. - Webinars
$35.00
Mental Health First Aid
When 05/07/2024Mental Health awareness is such an important factor in knowing how to help those in crisis find the help and care they need. - Workshops
Free
Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal and Financial Planning
When Multiple Options AvailableLength 1 hourLearn how to have honest and caring conversations about common concerns when someone begins to show signs of dementia during this in-person workshop. - Webinars
Free
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
When 05/03/2024Learn about new research in healthy aging and strategies for aging well during this informative virtual event. - Workshops
Free
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
When Multiple Options AvailableLength 1 hourLearn to recognize the common signs of Alzheimer's Disease during this informative in-person workshop. - Workshops
$39.00
Dining with Diabetes
When Multiple Options AvailableFor adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and their families, this program will increase your knowledge of healthy food choices and diabetes management. - Webinars
Kinship Family Forum: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
Length 1 hourLearn to recognize the common signs of Alzheimer's Disease during this informative virtual event. - Webinars
$15.00
Dining with Diabetes
When 02/27/2024Length 5 sessionsFor adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and their families, this program will increase your knowledge of healthy food choices and diabetes management. - Webinars
Free
Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
When 07/10/2024Learn the basics of Alzheimer's and dementia during this webinar. - Webinars
Free
Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal and Financial Planning
When 06/05/2024Learn how to have honest and caring conversations about common concerns when someone begins to show signs of dementia during this virtual event. - Webinars
Free
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
When Multiple Options AvailableLearn to recognize the common signs of Alzheimer's Disease during this informative virtual event. - 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. - Articles
Burnout in the Workplace
In this article we discuss the definition of burnout in the workplace and provide strategies for reducing burnout. - Articles
Alzheimer's Disease Workshops
Individuals who are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's and dementia are encouraged to participate in four workshops. - Webinars
Free
Addiction 101
When Watch NowRecorded Oct 4, 2022Intended to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use, this program will address risk factors for substance use and substance-use disorders and share strategies for prevention. - Guides and Publications$15.00
Tick Removal Kit for Pets
A zippered pouch containing instructions for and tools to aid in removal of ticks from pets. - Guides and Publications$18.00
Tick Removal Kit for Humans
A zippered pouch containing instructions for and tools to aid in the removal of ticks from human skin.