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Chronic Disease

Better Choices, Better Health https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHlryaBIhNo

Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that can usually be managed but not cured. Unfortunately, many people will have one or more of these conditions in their lifetime. Chronic diseases and their consequences can often be prevented or managed effectively through medical management, behavioral change efforts, and sustained patient support.

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Make informed decisions about your health by understanding your chronic condition, its symptoms and potential triggers.

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Explore the social, economic and environmental factors that influence the health of populations and communities.

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Featured Resources

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Chronic Disease Self-Management Education

Self-management is the use of skills to manage the work of living with chronic illness, continuing daily activities, and dealing with emotions brought about by the illness.

Young woman holding an older woman’s hands.

What Does it Mean to Have Chronic Disease?

Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living, or both.

Young nurse escorting an older adult at a hospital.

Eight Tips for Managing Multiple Chronic Health Conditions

Whether you are managing your own health or that of a loved one, the following tips for how to manage multiple chronic health conditions can help support your health and wellbeing.

Upcoming Events

Group of older adults sitting in a circle inside a gymnasium.
Nov      Dec 04 - 16

Chronic Disease Toolkit Workshop Delivered by Phone

Join SDSU Extension for a free chronic disease toolkit workshop offered by phone November 4-December 16, 2026.

Group of women walking together on an indoor track.
Nov      Jan 30 - 12

Walk With Ease Workshop @ Winner

SDSU Extension will host a six-week Walk With Ease program from 9:15 to 10:00 a.m. CDT every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from November 30, 2026 to January 12, 2027 at the Winner Regional Center (325 S. Monroe St., Winner, SD 57580).

Young physical therapist walking with an older adult at an indoor track.
Jan 06

Better Choices, Better Health® SD Discovery Session

SDSU Extension will host a virtual discovery session for Better Choices, Better Health® SD on January 6, 2027, from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Three older adults smiling while sitting around a table during a training.
Feb      Mar 08 - 24

Better Choices, Better Health® SD Virtual Lay Leader Training

SDSU Extension will host Better Choices, Better Health® SD Virtual Lay Leader Training via Zoom on Mondays and Wednesdays from February 8 through March 24, 2027, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. CST / 1:00–3:00 p.m. MT.

Two older adults looking at tablet
Apr 07

Better Choices, Better Health® SD Discovery Session

SDSU Extension will host a virtual discovery session for Better Choices, Better Health® SD on April 7, 2027, from 12:00-1:00 p.m.