Rethink Chronic Disease

Reduce Risk and Manage Conditions

Calendar Resources

Supporting Health in Every Maine Community

Chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in Maine and the United States. There are things you can do to reduce your risk of chronic disease.  Many of these things reduce your risk of multiple chronic diseases.  The Maine CDC  Chronic Disease Program supports healthy behaviors to help people prevent and manage chronic diseases.

Common Health
Challenges Across Maine

Chronic diseases affect individuals and families and communities in every part of Maine—from coastal towns and islands to rural communities and city neighborhoods. Conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s share many of the same risk factors. By making positive changes together we can make it possible for Mainers and our communities to live long, active and healthy lives.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar often go unnoticed, making it harder for people to protect their heart, brain, and kidney health.

Distance, weather, and transportation challenges can make it harder for people in some Maine communities to eat well and get regular physical activity.

Smoking and smoke exposure remain common in some areas, increasing preventable risks for cancer, heart, and lung disease.

Nutrition, activity levels, environments, and economic factors can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight, increasing risk for diabetes, cancer, asthma,  heart disease, dementia, and other chronic conditions.

Patterns of alcohol consumption in some communities contribute to liver disease, certain cancers, high blood pressure, dementia, and injury-related hospitalizations.

Exposure to radon, poor air quality, and unsafe work conditions can increase risk for lung disease and certain cancers.

Limited access to dental care or gaps in daily oral hygiene can contribute to diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and other chronic conditions.

Even small changes can make a difference — The Maine CDC and our partners offer free, easy-to-access resources and information to support positive choices.

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Check our calendar of events to find classes, resources and activities near you

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Understanding the Conditions That Shape Lives

Asthma

Learn how to better manage your asthma symptoms by signing up for the Maine Asthma Self-Management Education (Maine AS-ME) Program.

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Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Learn about dementia, reducing risk, and support available in Maine.

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Breast & Cervical

The MBCHP’s mission is to increase accessibility to breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services for eligible Maine women.

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Comprehensive Cancer

 Supports the Maine Cancer Coalition’s efforts to develop and implement the objectives and strategies within the Maine Cancer Plan

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Cardiovascular

The Maine CDC Cardiovascular Program helps help state residents control their high blood pressure and reduce risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

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Colorectal

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system. CRC is the most preventable cancer

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Diabetes

The program’s goal is to increase awareness of prediabetes and diabetes, and to connect Mainers to diabetes prevention and management services

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Obesity

The Maine CDC Obesity Prevention Program assists with programming across the state to make healthy eating and active living the easy choice.

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Oral Health

Find oral health resources and care that support overall health and help prevent and manage chronic disease.

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Contact Form

Have questions about chronic disease prevention, management, or resources? Please fill out the form and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.