Chronic diseases are among the most common and expensive health problems, and also are some of the most preventable.
They can affect people of all ages and are a major contributor to the disease burden in Idaho.
Overweight, obesity, and family history are risk factors that can contribute to a chronic disease diagnosis.
However, major chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, arthritis, and diabetes can be caused by unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, lack of physical activity, poor eating habits, and not getting preventive screenings.
The Bureau of Community and Environmental Health focuses on three major chronic disabling conditions: