Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living, or both. Six in ten Americans live with at least one chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, asthma, or diabetes. In California, three out of four deaths are due to chronic conditions. Additionally, many Californians have multiple chronic conditions, which limits their ability to exercise or be a member of the workforce, puts them at greater risk for hospitalization, and can lead to an early death. 

Chronic diseases are largely preventable.  Up to 80 percent of cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and over 30 percent of cancers could be prevented by eliminating tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and the harmful use of alcohol.  Promoting community wellness is one way to help reduce the burden of chronic disease in our community.  Wellness programs may include improved and greater access to quality healthcare, greater access to affordable and nutritious food, improved access to low/no cost physical activity opportunities, and improved health policies that protect the community from secondhand smoke and poor air quality. There are many groups in Fresno County who are addressing these issues. Many of these groups work with the Fresno County Health Improvement Partnership (FCHIP) in the form of workgroups such as the Fresno Diabetes Collaborative, Food to Share, Health Literacy, and Land Use and Planning. Contact FCHIP to get involved!