main menu about us clinical care > population health social & emotional child & youth advocacy partnerships key dates contact us bulletin board disclaimer copyright privacy hits since 15/11/06 Pangula Mannamurna Inc. ABN 73 627 520 658

our health in our hands population health introduction chronic disease < child & maternal health immunisation quit smoking drug & alcohol awareness nutrition chronic disease Chronic diseases are those which are long term (lasting more than 6 months). A chronic disease may be controlled with drugs and/or significant lifestyle changes. Chronic disease includes long-term illnesses such as: Diabetes Heart disease Stroke Asthma Arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases Depression These health problems need care over many years and even decades. Yet, many can be prevented or better managed. The causes of chronic disease depend on a number of factors. Lifestyle and behaviour are some of the main reasons. Certain things can’t be changed such as age, sex, background and family history. But other factors such as obesity, hypertension, stress and impaired glucose tolerance can be influenced. Some of the best ways to reduce the effect of chronic disease are to lower some of the risk factors through: Increasing physical activity Promoting healthy eating Weight control Not smoking Reducing alcohol to moderate/recommended levels Lowering high blood pressure Improving mental health Finding the disease early Improving the environment Indigenous Australians experience an earlier onset of most chronic diseases, have more GP consultations for the management of certain diseases and are more likely to be hospitalised than other Australians. (Source: ?) Back to Top Page last updated on 30 December 2006. http://www.pangula.org.au/population2.html