Chronic Diseases & Conditions
Increase the quality of life for St. Lucie County residents by enhancing policies, systems, and environments that support healthy decision-making.
What is Chronic Diseases and Conditions?
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension are leading causes of illness in St. Lucie County. This priority area focuses on prevention, early detection, and improved management.Why It Matters in St. Lucie County
Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. These conditions last one year or more and typically require ongoing medical care or limit daily activities. In 2023, nearly 6 in 10 U.S. adults live with at least one chronic disease, and 4 in 10 live with two or more, making chronic disease prevention and management an urgent public-health priority. Although many chronic diseases are prevalent, a considerable number are preventable and frequently influenced by modifiable lifestyle risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. Additionally, social and environmental conditions can magnify these challenges.
Chronic conditions often develop gradually, and early issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity can progress to more serious illnesses including cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and arthritis.13 Additional contributors, including chronic stress, limited access to healthy foods and safe spaces for exercise, unstable housing, economic hardship, and the health impacts of an aging population further exacerbate such risk factors.14 For example, individuals living in food deserts may struggle to obtain fresh produce and healthy options, leading to poor dietary habits and associated health issues, and residents facing chronic stress from financial instability or unsafe housing may have less capacity to engage in preventive health measures, creating a cycle of declining health. Together, these factors not only impact individual well-being, but also influence health care costs and reduce productivity across families, workplaces, and communities, underscoring the importance of prevention and early management throughout the life course. Chronic disease also intersects with mental and behavioral health, as individuals managing long-term conditions frequently experience stress, anxiety, or depression, which can limit motivation and make daily disease management more challenging.
Chronic Diseases in St. Lucie County
What We’re Doing
- Reduce hospitalizations related to heart disease
- Decrease rates of hypertension and diabetes
- Improve overall community health outcomes