Chronic Diseases

A chronic disease is an illness that is long-lasting, persistent and is rarely cured completely.  Risk factors for developing a chronic disease are poor diet, limited physical activity and tobacco use. Chronic disease accounts for 7 out of every 10 deaths in the United States. Below is a list of the most common chronic diseases in the United States:

• Heart Disease (the #1 cause of death in Washoe County, the state and the nation)
• Cancer
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Stroke
• Atherosclerosis
• Diabetes

Although chronic diseases are among the most common health problems, they are also among the most preventable. Eating healthy foods, being physically active, and being tobacco-free can reduce the risk of developing a chronic illness.

The Washoe County Chronic Disease Coalition was founded in 2005 and is a collaborative of agencies in Northern Nevada dedicated to the prevention and control of chronic disease.

The mission of the Washoe County Chronic Disease Coalition is to:

• Increase the community's awareness of chronic diseases and their risk factors;
• Improve the community's access to chronic disease resources, including data, education, and health care services; and
• Promote the healthy lifestyle choices that prevent chronic disease (i.e., healthy eating, active living, and being tobacco-free).

The Washoe County Chronic Disease Coalition currently coordinates a monthly newsletter to all coalition members and strives to gather members each year for an educational event. Please Join Us! For more information, contact:

GetHealthy@washoecounty.gov     |    775-328-6160