CHRONIC DISEASE BASICS
What is a chronic disease?
A long-term condition that lasts a year or more and requires ongoing care
What are systems in public health effective?
They reach a lot of people. They can support healthy behaviors every day
What is the #1 cause of preventable death in the U.S.?
Tobacco use
What term is how the body gets and uses food and nutrients to stay healthy and have energy?
Nutrition
What is considered binge drinking for men and women?
4 drinks for women or 5 drinks for men in about 2 hours
What does noncommunicable mean?
Does not spread from person to person
Why are policies effective?
They affect large groups of people and shape behavior
What is it called when someone breathes in smoke from someone else’s tobacco use?
Secondhand Smoke
How many minutes of moderate activity should adults get per week?
150 minutes
What is considered heavy drinking in men and women?
15 or more drinks per week for men or 8 or more for women
What percentage of deaths in the U.S. are caused by chronic diseases?
Approximately 70%
Give one example of a system that promotes health.
Schools / hospitals / workplaces / clinics
What did the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (2009) do?
Gave the FDA power to regulate tobacco products
How much physical activity should children get each day?
60 minutes
What can alcohol use during pregnancy cause?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)
What factors include income, education, housing, and employment?
Socioeconomic factors
What is the main goal of public health strategies?
To prevent disease and improve overall health
Why do higher tobacco taxes reduce smoking?
They increase prices, making tobacco less affordable
What does “access to healthy foods” include?
Proximity, quality, affordability, variety, and cultural acceptability
What is alcohol addiction?
A medical condition where a person cannot control their drinking
What does “changing the context” mean in public health?
Changing the environment so healthy choices become easier and more normal
Why is building sidewalks more effective than telling people to exercise?
It makes physical activity easier, safer, and more normal by changing the environment
What is one reason smoke-free laws are important?
They protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke
Name two challenges to staying physically active.
Sedentary lifestyle / screen time / long distances / safety concerns
What is early detection in public health?
Finding diseases early before symptoms appear