Chronic Disease Program

A chronic disease is a disease or condition that usually lasts for 3 months or longer and may get worse over time. Chronic diseases tend to occur in older adults and can usually be controlled but not cured. The most common types of chronic disease are cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis.

The leading causes of death in Essex County are regularly connected with chronic diseases.

Updated Food Pantry Guide!

Visit our WIC Page

Check out 2024 farmer’s market locations by area here.

Healthy Eating

Eating healthfully is one of the most important things you can do for your health!

product labeling systems that make finding healthier foods easier;
recipes from trusted sources that help you plan & prepare great meals;
find local farmers, farmer's markets and other local resources; and
video library to help you learn about the connection between foods, weight and obesity.⬆

Eating Healthy Prevents Many Chronic Diseases

Eating healthy helps prevent, delay, and manage heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases. A balanced, healthy dietary pattern includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products and limits added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.

Healthy Pizza Dough Recipe

TO MAKE THIS GREEK YOGURT PIZZA DOUGH YOU WILL NEED:
unbleached all-purpose flour
baking powder
kosher salt
garlic powder
onion powder
plain, nonfat greek yogurt

INGREDIENTS

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, optional but recommended
1/2 teaspoon onion powder, optional but recommended
1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
EQUIPMENT

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and baking powder, whisking to combine. Add any additional dried herbs or spices here.
Add in the Greek yogurt, switch over to a rubber spatula and stir until combined.
Divide the dough in half or fourths (for individual servings) or leave whole.

Generously flour a clean surface and rolling pin and roll out the dough thin.
Transfer to an inverted baking sheet that has been sprayed with olive oil before topping the dough with sauce and desired toppings.
Preheat your oven to 475° and bake on the bottom rack for 12 to 18 minutes. 

Follow #getfitessexcounty on Facebook

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.⬆

Join #getfitessexcounty

In October of 2022 our department introduced a new health initiative to our community! #getfitessexcounty is a monthly fitness challenge to help keep us in the North Country healthy. Everyone of all fitness levels is invited to join us. Each month will feature a new challenge.

Get inspired! Check out our most popular archived #getfitessexcounty challenges.

Vaping, Smoking & Tobacco

 

Quit Tobacco Resources

Quitting tobacco has immediate and long lasting benefits.

Millions have freed themselves from tobacco and so can you.

 Find help on this interactive map!

Our Top 3 Recommendations

Quit Coaching – NYS Smoker’s Quitline

Quit.Gov

SmokeFree Women

Just for Teens

SmokeFreeTeens (SFT)

TheTruth

Additional Resources

AHA Quit Smoking Page

Tips From Former Smokers 

Creating a Tobacco-Free Environment & other Community Supports

North Country Healthy Heart Network

Champlain Valley Family Center

Smoking & Tobacco

Cigarette smoking is identified as a cause of various cancers, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory conditions, as well as low birth weight and other adverse health outcomes.⬆

Vaping

E-cigarettes (or “vape pens”) heat a liquid until it becomes a vapor, which is inhaled. The liquid (called e-liquid or “vape juice”) can contain nicotine or marijuana distillate or oil. E-cigarettes can be refillable or pre-filled with cartridges containing the e-liquid. The pre-filled e-cigarettes (called “Puff Bars”) are designed for one-time use. After taking a certain number of “puffs,” the user throws the device away.

Chronic Disease Self Management Opportunities

Visit gethealthynoco.org

Living with a Chronic Disease? You're Not Alone!

There are options right here in Essex County to take the recommendations of your trusted healthcare provider and put them into action out in the real world.⬆

Classes and support groups are available to assist in managing the following chronic conditions:.

Alzheimer's & Dementia Support;
Cardiac Rehabilitation;
Diabetes Support;
Healthy Living - Nutrition & Exercise Opportunities; and
Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Visit gethealthynoco.org or call the Chronic Disease Outreach Coordinator for more information at 518-873-3500.

Chronic Disease Community Initiative

Protect Your Skin⬇

Dispensers with FREE Sunscreen are located at - Town of Chesterfield - Jaycee Park Town of Keene - Keene Beach Town of Minerva - Minerva Beach Town of Schroon - Schroon Lake Beach Town of Wilmington - Wilmington Beach

Winter Sun Safety 2023!⬇

Dispensers with FREE Sunscreen are located at Mount Van Hoevenberg, Whiteface Mountain Main Lodge, and Bears Den.

Winter Snowshoe Lending 2023!⬇

Each library has received 6-9 pairs of snowshoes ranging in size from toddler to adult. Committed libraries include: • Keeseville Free Library • Au Sable Forks Free Library • Paine Memorial Library - Willsboro • Black Watch Memorial Library - Ticonderoga

What Does Our Data Say About Chronic Disease in Essex County?

This statewide initiative provides breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services at NO COST to women and men who qualify.

Cancer Services Program

The Cancer Services Program of Northeastern NY is coordinated through the UVMHN, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital covering Clinton, Essex, & Franklin counties.⬆

Learn more about the NYSDOH Cancer Services Program.

Services Available

Services provided through participating providers and hospitals:

  • Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram and Clinical Breast Exam)
    • Women ages 40 and older
    • Women under age 40 at high risk for breast cancer*
  • Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Test and Pelvic Exam)
    • Women ages 40 and older
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening (Fecal Immunochemical Test Kit)
    • Men and women ages 45 and older at average risk for colorectal cancer
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening (Colonoscopy)
    • Men and women at increased or high risk for colorectal cancer*

*Only a New York State-licensed health care provider can determine risk.

Do I Qualify?

Cancer screening may be available to you if:

  • Live in New York State
  • Do not have health insurance
  • Have health insurance that may prevent a person from obtaining screening and/or diagnostic services
  • Meet income eligibility requirements
  • Meet age requirements

 

📞 Call 518-324-7671 to determine eligibility, enroll in the program, assist with scheduling a cancer screening, or with any questions.   

🩺Many medical providers throughout Essex County participate with this program.

🔬🧪Many diagnostic services are covered when positive screening results are found.

The Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program is available for those who qualify.

NYDOH Required Activities as a Local Health Department

OUR REQUIRED ACTIVITIES

Chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, etc.) are among the leading causes of disability and death in NYS.  As a local health department we are required to conduct an evidenced-based chronic disease prevention program that focusing on the prevention of chronic diseases and their associated risk factors –

✅ Nutrition and

✅ Physical activity 

✅ Tobacco.

Our Strategies Include:

✅leading or participating in community coalitions & planning efforts to improve social and physical environments;

✅support policy, systems and environmental change activities;

✅engage in education, public health marketing and communication; and

✅promote the delivery of early detection and health care following state and national guidance for care.