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Chronic conditions
Chronic disease

A disease that persists for a long time, a disease lasting 3
months or more
 Chronic diseases generally cannot be prevented by
vaccines or cured by medication, nor do they just
disappear.
Stats
 14.8% of the population (20+ years) has 2 or more
chronic diseases concurrently.
 chronic disease rates are increasing at 14% each year.
 4 out of 5 are at risk
Various chronic conditions
 Anemia
 Cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke,
hypertension, high cholesterol)
 Cancer
 diabetes
 Arthritis
 Obesity
 respiratory diseases
 Osteoporosis
 Dental and oral disease
Family History and Your Health
 What does it mean to be “at risk” for developing a
disease?
You are likely to develop the disease, but can possibly
prevent it.

Why is it important to know your family health history?
 It can tell you if a disease runs in your family, putting you at
risk.
 If you know you’re at risk, you can take steps to protect
yourself.
Family History and Your Health
 What two factors contribute to a person’s risk?
 Genetics and environment
 Why is it important to make healthy choices and take
good care of your body?
 You can reduce, if not neutralize, genetic risk factors
and add years to your life.
Chronic Disease Project
Complementary and Alternative Medicine A Holistic Approach
 Alternative medicine is an unconventional way of
treating various chronic health conditions.
 The procedures used are not normally accepted as part
of our regular or conventional medical treatments.
 Most alternative medicine techniques have unproven
results.
 They are based on theories and practices that treat the
whole body and its systems, mind, body and spirit.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine A Holistic Approach
 There is an increase in the popularity of this type of treatment,
especially for conditions such as allergies, depression, arthritis, high
or low blood pressure, menstrual problems, migraines and even
cancer.
 Alternative medicine can also be used to simply improve overall
health. Some medical practitioners are beginning to use alternative
medicine in conjunction with traditional medical treatments; this is
known as complementary medicine.
 This blended version of medical treatment is becoming more and
more accepted by both patients and doctors as part of their
treatment for chronic conditions and for promoting good health
and well being generally.
 Complementary medicine is now taught to new medical students.
Some Types of Alternative Medicine
The National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) established by
the National Institutes of Health, has classified
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
(CAM) into five categories:
 Alternative medical systems
 Mind body interventions
 Biological based therapies
 Manipulative and body therapies
 Energy therapies
Regulation
 Regulation for natural health products varies around the world.
 In Canada, these products were somewhat regulated by Health
Canada, within the Food and Drug Section of the Food and Drug
Act and Regulations.
 In June 2003, the Minister of Health announced the adoption of new
regulations for these products.
 A new section called "The Natural Health Products Regulations" has
been included in the Food and Drug Act and Regulations.
 These new regulations answer to consumer demands for more
regulations in regards to the labelling and production of products
and the evidence to support health claims.
Risks of Alternative or Complementary
Medicine
 There have been reports of adverse drug reactions,
inappropriate therapies, unintentional overdoses of
products, and injuries caused by unqualified
practitioners.
 It is important to evaluate the information and its source
with regard to any of these products and procedures.
 Look for licensing of the product in Canada.
 New regulations require licensing and scientific proof of
any health claim.
Complementary and Alternative
Healthcare in New Brunswick
 Research question
Complementary and Alternative
Healthcare in New Brunswick
 Complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, can be defined as any
medical product, practice or treatment that is not thought of as a standard
care (Adapted from Healthy Debate).
 This includes practices such as acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy,
reflexology, chiropractic, massage therapy and others.
 Currently, no CAM practices are funded by New Brunswick Medicare.
Some may be covered by private insurance companies, such as Blue Cross.
Complementary and Alternative
Healthcare in New Brunswick
 Some of them are regulated by the Province of New Brunswick, which
means there is an Act (a set of laws) that governs what they can and
cannot do and a governing body that oversees who is admitted to the
profession and what training is required.
 Most are not regulated. A lack of regulation does not necessarily mean
that the CAM service cannot be offered.
 As long as the service does not break other existing laws, such as practicing
medicine without a license, then it can still be offered.
 A lack of regulation, though, means that there is no standard level of
training or care and that there is no governing body overseeing the
professional.
Video and handout
 http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/episodes/2009-episodes/miracle-makersor-money-takers
 http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/782022211671
Current Trends and issues related to
nutritional health
 Top 10 Nutrition Trends for 2016

Plant-based eating patterns are on the rise

The quest for protein intensifies

Snacking is on the rise across all demographic segments

Sustainability movement broadens focus beyond production practices

Holistic, community-based approaches are being adopted to improve
health outcomes
Current Trends and issues related to
nutritional health
 Delivery channels for nutrition education interventions are changing

Interventions addressing health inequities linked to socioeconomic status
are being enacted by more providers
 Growing distrust of science, government and food industry has consumers
forging their own nutritional path
Fad Diet Project