Eat Well (Chronic Disease Prevention)

Chronic diseases are conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both.¹ Examples include cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and lung diseases. 

• In Madison County, chronic disease is the leading cause of over half of premature death (under 75 years). 
• More than 40% of New York adults suffer from a chronic disease, and chronic diseases are responsible for 23% of all hospitalizations in New York State.
• About 42% of people in America have two or more chronic conditions.
• Costs have consumed more than 85% of total health care costs. Chronic disease can cause physical and emotional changes, limit day-to-day activities, and negatively impact quality of life.²

The good news is that some chronic diseases can be prevented if you take these steps: eat well, move more, and live smoke-free.

Eating well not only helps prevent chronic disease but it boosts mood and productivity, improves gut health, improves memory, improves sleep quality, strengthens bones and teeth, and reduces risk of obesity.

What should I eat?

• Eating well begins with fruits and vegetables
• Choose whole grains instead of white, refined grains
• Choose fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products
• Get protein from lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
• Choose foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars
• Replace high-calorie drinks, such as soda and alcoholic beverages, with water, lemon water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water
  • If you drink alcohol, limit to 2 drinks or less for men and 1 drink or less for women per occasion. 

Local Resources

1. Cornell Cooperative Extension (Facebook, Instagram)
   • Nutrition Information
   • Agriculture Services
   • Gardening
   • SNAP-ED New York
   • Open Farm Day
2. Madison County Rural Health Council (website, Facebook)
   • National Diabetes Prevention Program (Prevent T2)

Want to see local data? 

Visit our Community Health Assessment.

Quick Links

• Healthy Eating
• Build a Healthy Eating Routine
• Fruits and Vegetable Recipes
• Budget-Friendly Recipes
• MyPlate

References

1. About Chronic Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
2. The Relation of the Chronic Disease Epidemic to the Health Care Crisis

Updated January 16, 2026