Chronic Disease Management

WellPATH believes in providing resources that will enhance your quality of life as you and your family manage chronic diseases – such as Diabetes, Cancer, and Heart Disease. These resources are for you to research at your own discretion. The Joint Health Management Board of Fresno Unified School District does not favor or endorse any of the listed resources.

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Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy.  Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (also called glucose) and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.

If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. There isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, but losing weight, eating healthy food, and being active can really help. Taking medicine as needed, getting diabetes self-management education and support, and keeping health care appointments can also reduce the impact of diabetes on your life.

Review the resources provided below for information about symptoms, causes, treatment, and other ways to help manage your diabetes.

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Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

 

Helpful Infographics

 

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Additional Resources   

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Diabetes Prevention Resources

From Kaiser Permanente

More than 1 in 3 Americans heave prediabetes – and 90% of them don’t even know it. The good news is that most cases of type 2 diabetes are preventable – healthy lifestyle changes can help you avoid, control, or even reverse the disease.

Take a moment to review a couple of resources from Kaiser Permanente to help you protect yourself from diabetes.

Diabetes Resource Guide

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Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes?

WellPATH has collaborated with community partners to create a Fresno County Diabetes Resource Guide. Take a moment to check out this helpful resource guide and find out more information about the valuable programs and resources currently taking place in our area, including:

      • – Community Regional Medical Center
      • – California Health Collaborative Diabetes Education Program
      • – Kaiser Permanente Diabetes Classes
      • – Saint Agnes Medical Center – A Healthier You Program
      • – United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley
      • – Valley Health Team

July 30, 2020
Informational Update: Fresno County Pre-Diabetes & Diabetes Resources During COVID-19

Review the list of resources provided by the Fresno Diabetes Collaborative to assist you and your family with managing the many aspects of pre-diabetes and diabetes, including:

      • – Diabetes Prescription Assistance
      • – Diabetes Devices Assistance
      • – Food Access
      • – Free/Low-Cost Diabetes Prevention/Self-Management Classes
      • – Free/Low-Cost Mental Health Resources
      • – Free/Low-Cost Online Cooking Classes
      • – Free/Low-Cost Physical Activity Classes
      • – Free Online Support Groups
      • – General Assistance Information
      • – Healthcare Support Services

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Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Numerous factors are known to increase the disease’s occurrence, including many that can be changed (tobacco use and excess body weight) and others that are not (inherited cancer syndrome, age, and family history). These risk factors may act simultaneously or in sequence to initiate and/or promote cancer growth.

It is usually not possible to know exactly why one person develops cancer and another doesn’t. But research has shown that certain risk factors may increase a person’s chances of developing cancer. Cancer risk factors include exposure to chemicals or other substances, as well as certain behaviors. They also include things people cannot control, like age and family history. A family history of certain cancers can be a sign of a possible inherited cancer syndrome.

Review the resources provided below for information about symptoms, causes, treatment, and other ways to help manage your risk for heart disease.

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Treatment and Prevention

 

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Love Your Colon

Colon Screenings Saves Lives

As you may know, the colon is a very important part of your body’s digestive system. It helps in the final stages of digestion, absorbing water and minerals from food and eliminating bodily waste through the rectum. Because the colon is such a vital part of your body, it’s important to keep it in good health. Colon cancer is one of the most serious conditions that can affect your colon. It is the second biggest cancer killer in the United States among cancers that affect both men and women. While colon cancer is very serious, it may be preventable through regular screening. In fact, 90% of the time, colon cancer can be treated if caught early. *- According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for colon cancer is 90%.

Screening & Treatment Options from Mayo Clinic Radio

Take a few minutes to listen to Dr. John Kisiel, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, as he discusses screening and treatment options for colorectal cancer in this Mayo Clinic Radio video.

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Should I Get Screened?

By discussing screening with your doctor and following recommendations, you may be able to do something about colon cancer. It is important to get screened if you:

  • – Are 50 years or older
  • – Have family history of colon cancer or a colon polyp
  • – Have inflammatory bowel disease
  • – Have had an abnormal colonoscopy in the past

 

Which Screening Test is Right for Me?

There are many tests that can help detect colon cancer. Three of them recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force are: colonoscopy, fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), and fecal immunochemical testing (FIT). Download and review the Comparison Chart provided by LoveYourColon.org to learn more about these tests and discuss the best options with your doctor.

Download the Comparison Chart (PDF)

For More Information

To learn more about colon cancer and screening, visit www.LoveYourColon.org.

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Heart Disease

Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect your heart. Making small changes every day can add up to big improvements in your overall heart health. It’s never too early to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating healthy foods and becoming more physically active. A healthy lifestyle is the main protection against heart disease and its complications.

Review the resources provided below for information about symptoms, causes, treatment, and other ways to manage your heart health.

Video

 

Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

 

Helpful “How To” Infographics

 

Additional Resources   

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