Chronic disease prevention

What are chronic diseases?

Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Disease rates from these conditions are accelerating globally, advancing across every region and pervading all socioeconomic classes. ...Source: World Health Organization

Chronic diseases are non-communicable and long-lasting diseases. The five major chronic diseases in Canada are cancers, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disease, diabetes, and mental illness. There are many identified risk factors related to chronic disease, including physical activity and nutrition.

Inequities create the conditions for chronic disease. When there are large gaps between the positive and negative factors that influence health, negative health outcomes are more severe.

Where can you go for more information?

Health Nexus resources

	Connecting the Dots: A Handbook for Chronic Disease Prevention through Community Engagement (PDF 3.8MB, 2009) This handbook is for health professionals, health promoters, educators, and community groups / organizations who want to work across sectors and with multiple levels to leverage their joint potential to prevent chronic disease in their communities.
	Reflective Case Studies: How Three Communities “Connected the Dots” These reflective case studies describe how three communities “connected the dots,” including the outcome and impact in each community, as well as the key learnings and recommendations. Grey Bruce CTD – Rural community and first CTD South East Toronto CTD – Urban community South Asian CTD – Priority population
	Resource Catalogue: From Risk to Resilience - Connecting the Dots on South Asians and Stroke This five-page catalogue lists many types of stroke resources from general resources through geographically specific resources to culturally specific resources.
	Primer to Action: Social Determinants of Health, Second Edition This electronic resource explores how the social determinants of health affect chronic disease. It offers concrete suggestions for change in the community, the workplace and the broader society.