Chronic diseases

Information for community members on chronic diseases

Man with chronic disease testing blood sugar levels at home

Overview

Chronic diseases are long-lasting (usually present for six months or more) health conditions that can worsen over time, lower your quality of life and affect your independence.

Common chronic diseases include arthritis, asthma, back pain, cancer, cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes and mental health conditions.

Good management of chronic diseases can help improve your overall health and wellbeing, and it may slow down or stop your disease getting worse.

If you have a chronic disease, you will likely benefit from having a team of health professionals involved in your care, led by your doctor.

Programs we fund

Chronic diseases are very common. We know that in the Murray PHN region that many people live with diabetes, heart conditions such as chronic heart failure and COPD.

Murray PHN gives Commonwealth Government funding to services that employ members of your healthcare team, including:

  • Diabetes educators to help people understand and manage their diabetes
  • Podiatrists to help with foot problems that can be caused by diabetes
  • Dietitians for advice on healthy eating and reaching healthy weight goals
  • Physiotherapists to lead healthy heart and lung programs
  • Chronic disease nurses to help coordinate your care

Other chronic disease supports

Last Update: May 2nd, 2024

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.