Chronic Disease Risk Reduction

The Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Program involves all areas of health that can be improved to prevent diseases and better the health of individuals and the community. Part of the CDRR is a comprehensive clean air ordinance which reduces heart attacks, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces tobacco-related illnesses within the community. The CDRR program works on the causes of other preventable diseases, especially heart disease, by encouraging daily exercise and better dietary choices.

The CDRR program staff work closely with RISE Cowley, a county-wide coalition of volunteers who work on health-related projects and programs.

RISE Cowley
RISE Cowley promotes health lifestyles through collaboration and awareness campaigns that encourage involvement from the residents of Cowley County. With help from the Pathways Grant (funded by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas), RISE Cowley has brought forth many projects within the community. Some projects include updates to local farmers’ markets, new trails (including maps and bike racks) around Cowley County, breastfeeding advocacy, and tobacco cessation. For more information or to learn how to get involved, visit their website HERE.

Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Areas

Tobacco Use Reduction

Tobacco use is linked to many chronic illnesses and diseases including heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, bronchitis, and more. Reducing tobacco use or quitting entirely reduces the risk of developing these long-term diseases and significantly improves health. If you are trying to quit smoking, check the links below for some excellent resources on quitting today!

• Tobacco Quitline - A program offered by more than 700 employers and health plans in the U.S. Provides phone services and coaching for quitting tobacco use.
• KanQuit - Program providing phone services and plans for tobacco cessation.
• American Cancer Society - Health organization focusing on the elimination of cancer.
• Americans for Non-Smokers’ Rights - Educational advocacy group focusing on reduction and elimination of tobacco use.
• Resist Tobacco - Group focused on reduction of tobacco-use among Kansas youth.
• Tobacco Free Kansas - Coalition focused on eliminating tobacco use in Kansas.

Nutrition and Community Gardening

Many chronic diseases can be linked to poor diet and nutrition. The Health Department encourages healthier dietary habits by encouraging the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. With local partners, we promote local farmers' markets, assist with resources and contacts in building community gardens, and encourage nutrition education within the community. For those interested in starting their own garden or looking for resources regarding dietary and nutritional information, check the links below!

• Kansas Garden Guide PDF (Kansas State University Publication) - Kansas gardening guide produced by the K-State Research and Extension Office
• Fertilizing Gardens in Kansas PDF (Kansas State University Publication) - Kansas fertilizing guide produced by the K-State Research and Extension Office
• Choose My Plate - Tool and program encouraging healthier dietary and nutrition choices.
• This Summer, Eat Smart to Play Hard: A Parent's Guide - Brochure encouraging healthy practices for parents and their children.
• The Business Case for Breastfeeding: Steps for Creating a Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace - Group advocating for breast-feeding friendly workplaces.

Physical Activity and Trail Development

Many chronic diseases can arise due to lack of physical activity in an individual's life. With local partners, we promote the use of the trails, walking paths, and parks within the community, as well as encourage the development of new walking trails and paths. We also promote more active commuting to work/school. The addition of more physical activity and time spent outdoors can have tremendous effects on a individual's health and mental wellbeing. Check the links below for more resources!

• KDHE Physical Activity & Nutrition Program - State educational program encouraging better dietary choices and increased physical activity.
• National Complete Streets Coalition - Coalition advocating for improvements to towns and cities to make them more accessible to walkers and active commuters.

Chronic Illnesses

Chronic diseases and illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading cause of death in the United States. These conditions arise for a variety of reasons including poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol use. Below are some of the most common chronic illnesses in Kansas as well as risk factors and ways to prevent them.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, with nearly 700,000 deaths in 2020. Below are some of the risk factors as well as preventions for heart disease. For more information, visit the CDC's webpage on heart disease HERE

Risk Factors

• High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
  • High blood pressure can damage the lining of arteries, leading to the buildup of plaque. This narrows the arteries, leading to worse blood flow to the heart and brain.
  • High cholesterol can lead to an excess buildup of cholesterol in the walls of arteries, limiting blood flow to the heart, brain, kidneys, other organs, and legs. 
• Diabetes
  • Over time, high blood sugar from diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs, leading to heart attacks, kidney disease, and strokes.
• Smoking & Excessive Alcohol Consumption
  • Smoking can increase plaque buildup, damage blood vessels, raise cholesterol levels, and lead to blood clots.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to an increased sustained blood pressure level as well as a weakening of the heart muscle.
• Obesity
  • Obesity carries several risk factors including increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and diabetes.
• Family History
  • Different types of heart disease and related conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol can run in the family. Knowing your family history of heart disease and conditions can aid in preventing heart disease from developing.
• Age
  • Individuals aged 65 and older are at greater risk for developing and experiencing heart conditions.
• Sex
  • Men are more prone to developing heart disease and experiencing heart issues.
• Race
  • Race can be a contributing factor, with some groups of people being more predisposed to developing heart disease.

Preventing the development of heart disease starts with practicing a healthy lifestyle. Engaging in healthy habits can drastically reduce your risk for developing heart disease. Below are some ways to prevent this. For more information on prevention visit the CDC's webpage HERE

Prevention

• Practice Healthy Living Habits
  • A healthy diet
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Engage in enough physical activity
  • Quit tobacco use 
  • Limit alcohol use
  • Get enough quality sleep
  • Manage stress
• Control Other Health Conditions
  • Check cholesterol levels regularly
  • Control blood pressure
  • Manage diabetes
  • Take current medications as prescribed

Stroke

Strokes occur when something blocks blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the US. Below are some of the risk factors for experiencing a stroke. For more information, visit the CDC's webpage HERE

Risk Factors

• High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
  • High blood pressure can damage the lining of arteries, leading to the buildup of plaque. This narrows the arteries, leading to worse blood flow to the heart and brain.
  • High cholesterol can lead to an excess buildup of cholesterol in the walls of arteries, limiting blood flow to the heart, brain, kidneys, other organs, and legs.
• Heart Disease
  • 
    
• Diabetes
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• Sickle Cell Disease
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• Poor Diet
  • 
    
• Obesity
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• Tobacco Use & Excessive Alcohol
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• Family History
  • 
    
• Age
  • 
    
• Sex
  • 
    
• Race

  • Race can be a contributing factor, with some groups of people being more predisposed to experiencing strokes.

• Risk Factors
  • High Blood Pressure 
  • High Cholesterol
  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell Disease 
  • Unhealthy Diet
  • Physical Inactivity
  • Obesity
  • Too Much Alcohol
  • Tobacco Use
  • Family History
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Race
• Prevention
  • Healthy Living
    • Healthy diet
    • Healthy weight
    • Physical activity
    • Abstain from smoking and other forms of tobacco
    • Limit alcohol
  • Control Medical Conditions
    • Check cholesterol
    • Control blood pressure
    • Control diabetes
    • Take current medication as described

Diabetes

• Risk Factors
  • Type 1 Diabetes
    • Family history
    • Age
  • Type 2 Diabetes
    • Being overweight
    • Being over 45 years old
    • Family history
    • Lack of physical activity
    • History of gestational diabetes or prediabetes
    • Are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or  Pacific Islander
      • Prevention
        • Learn about prediabetes
        • Maintain a healthy weight
        • Be more active
        • Eat healthy foods most of the time
  • Gestational Diabetes
    • Previous history of gestational diabetes
    • Given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 lbs
    • Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
    • Have a hormone disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Cancer

• Risk Factors
  • Alcohol Consumption
  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  • Tobacco use
  • Infections
  • Radiation
  • Exposure to cancer causing substances
  • Diet
  • Obesity
  • Genetics
• Prevention
  • Changes to encourage a healthy diet and lifestyle
  • Finding precancerous conditions early
  • Chemoprevention
  • Risk reducing surgery

Obesity

• Risk factors
  • Poor nutrition
  • Lack of physical activity
• Prevention
  • Eat 5 to 6 servings of fruit and vegetables daily
  • Choose whole grain foods
  • Avoid highly processed foods
  • Weigh and measure food to gain an understanding of portion sizes
  • Avoid eating more calories than you burn
  • Weigh yourself regularly
  • Get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity most, if not all, days of the week
  • Make small changes in your daily routine such as parking farther away, walking around the block, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator

Arthritis

• Risk Factors
  • Age
  • Injury
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Gender
  • Genetics
  • Obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • Occupation
  • Smoking
  • Diet
  • Infection
  • Genetics
• Prevention– while true prevention seems to be impossible, there are things that can help
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Be physically active as much as possible
  • Eat a healthful diet low in sugar and alcohol
  • Refrain from smoking