South Heartland District Health Department

Healthy News -- Chronic Disease

Issue 2 | February 2026

February 05, 2026

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PROMOTE  Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness, death and disability in the United States, affecting more than half of the population.  Approximately 6 in 10 Americans live with at least one chronic disease, leading to significant health and financial problems.  South Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) recognizes that choosing healthy habits today may protect your heart, mind and body tomorrow

PREVENT Here are a number of ways to prevent chronic diseases:

• Move your body:  aim for 150 minutes/week of moderate exercise.
• Eat Smart:  Choose fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, while limiting alcohol consumption.
• Manage Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight lowers the risk of diabetes and cancer.
• Avoid tobacco: Smoking cessation greatly reduces chronic disease risk.
• Get screened: Early detection for blood pressure, diabetes and cancers are available.
• Stay vaccinated: HPV and Hepatitis vaccines prevent chronic diseases.
• Limit sugary drinks: This reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes.
• Manage stress: Sleep well, practice mindfulness, seek support.
• Monitor risk factors: Track blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. 

Many chronic diseases—like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease—develop silently. You might feel perfectly fine while a condition is already progressing. Regular visits allow providers to spot early warning signs and intervene before the disease becomes serious.

PROTECT  Reducing chronic disease risk factors and improving management of chronic conditions can help protect you from the likelihood of having symptoms after exposure to infectious diseases such as influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It can strengthen your immune response, lower inflammation in your body and improve your overall resilience to infections.

Questions: Talk to a healthcare provider or contact South Heartland District Health Department, 606 Minnesota Ave, Hastings, NE, 402-462-6211.

A printable copy of this newsletter