Chronic Disease Self-Management
CDSM Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Chronic Disease Self-Management
A chronic disease is one that has been, or is likely to be, present for six months or longer. A chronic disease can be a condition you have had for a period of time or it could be something that is new to you..
The top 5 common chronic diseases are:
- Cancer
- Heart diseases such as Ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, etc.
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc.
Other chronic diseases include mood and/or anxiety disorders and arthritis.
A risk behaviour is a habit that someone has developed throughout their lifetime which may lead to a chronic disease in the future. Common risk behaviours include:
- Smoking
- Physical inactivity
- Sedentary behaviour
- Unhealthy eating
- Harmful use of alcohol
A risk condition is a condition which someone may have (or have a family history of) which could lead to a chronic disease in the future. Common risk conditions include:
- Obesity
- Hypertension
The most important step you can take is to seek help as soon as you feel less able to cope. Taking action early will enable you to understand and deal with the many effects of a chronic illness. Learning to manage stress will help you to maintain a positive physical, emotional, and spiritual outlook on life. Seek help from a healthcare provider as early as possible to help you understand and cope with your illness better.