Everyone can be part of the Solution

Since chronic disease effects everyone, we can all be part of the solution. Everyone can learn how to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Once you learn the strategies, share them with everyone you know.

People already suffering with chronic disease can make a commitment to follow proper maintenance protocols. Disease management is the key to avoiding secondary disease conditions and maintaining the highest possible quality of life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a helpful page on detecting diseases and conditions. You may also visit the Mayo Clinic's screening guidelines page for additional disease detection information. And you've seen it advertised on television, now visit WebMD's screening page for yourself. The National Institute's of Health also has a screening page that may prove useful.

Diabetes

Both the CDC and the American Diabetes Association offer information on screening for Type II Diabetes. New York State's Diabetes Campaign has very helpful information and links. Also, New York State Health Foundation offers information on diabetes management and prevention.
There is a webpage on how the faith-based community is fighting diabetes. The New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians has updates on fighting diabetes. And the New York Diabetes Coalition offers information and programs for fighting diabetes.

Here is a useful paper on diabetes care. Long Island residents can find helpful information on fighting diabetes. And the City University of New York (CUNY) fights diabetes.

Cancer

The American Cancer Society has an indispensable page for detection of many different forms of cancer. The National Cancer Institute also offers screening guidelines. One of the top cancer hospitals in the country, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has a comprehensive screening guidelines page. You may also want to visit the World Health Organization's informational page on screening and early detection of cancer.

NYAACD Seeks to Eliminate Health Disparities

Why Health Disparities Exist

Fighting chronic disease means eliminating health disparities - the differences in education, prevention and access to treatment experienced by different populations in our community - to increase patient outcomes in all segments of the population.

Here are statistics of health disparities in New York broken down by ethnic community.

The Medical Society of the State of New York Committee to Eliminate Healthcare Disparities reviews public policies with respect to health disparities. Also, the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS) is addressing disparities and chronic disease treatment throughout New York State.

Take a closer look at health disparities in New York State, and get information on the New York State Office of Minority Health. The CDC has even researched the use of black radio to disseminate health information in an attempt to eliminate health disparities.

Additional references available on the internet:

New York Academy of Medicine - Office of Health Disparities

American College of Physicians

National Cancer Institute - Center to Reduce Health Disparities

National Medical Association - the Cobb Institute