Chronic Disease Self-Management
Each year seven out of ten people die in the United States because of chronic disease such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes.¹ People with chronic disease account for 78 percent of all health care spending, so it is vitally important to empower them with information and techniques to engage in self care when appropriate, lessening their dependency on expensive medical care and leading to improved quality of life.
What is Chronic Disease Management?
We support evidence-based programs that include instructional elements that help individuals manage their chronic conditions more effectively. These elements include:
- Techniques for dealing with frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation
- Exercises for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance
- Appropriate use of medications
- Effective communications with family, friends and health professionals
- Nutrition
- Techniques to evaluate new treatments
- Training that takes place in a community setting such as a church, library or senior center
Our Focus
We use our resources to support programs working to:
- Improve the quality of life for those with chronic disease
- Decrease health care spending for chronic disease management
- Prevent chronic disease when possible
Sources
¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "The Leading Causes of Death: United States and Colorado, 1995 and 2001"