Chronic Disease Prevention and Management

Chronic disease can occur at any age and usually begins slowly and develops gradually over time. The most common chronic conditions include chronic lung diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers.

If you have a chronic disease, it is important that you work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and to help improve your overall quality of life.

What are the risk factors of chronic disease?

Some risk factors cannot be changed, such as age, gender, family history, and ethnicity. Other risk factors that are within your control are related to your lifestyle choices and personal habits:

• unhealthy diet;
• physical inactivity;
• tobacco use; and
• harmful use of alcohol.

These risk factors can also bring on other associated risk factors such as:

• high blood pressure;
• high blood sugar;
• excess body fat; and
• high cholesterol.

What can I do to help manage my chronic condition?

For helpful tips and tools on healthy living, view the Passport to Health [PDF].

The Health and Community Services Directory [PDF] also provides information about programs and services available within the PEI health system and in the community that offer support and assistance with managing your illness.

How do I contact Chronic Disease Prevention and Management? 

Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Polyclinic
199 Grafton Street
Charlottetown, PE   C1A 1L2

Telephone:  (902) 368-6171
Fax:  (902) 569-0579