A chronic disease is an illness that once you have it, you will probably have it the rest of your life. However, with proper medical care it can be managed and a healthy life is possible. Examples of chronic diseases:

• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Obesity

Diabetes Education and Awareness

Various education formats that emphasize preventing Type 2 Diabetes are available. Our awareness efforts include Community Outreach as well as Education Classes here at Tarrant County Public Health. We work closely with the Tarrant County Diabetes Collaboration to provide instructors when needed. All classes are taught by a Certified Health Education Specialist, a Health Educator, or a Certified Diabetes Educator.

Curriculum can be tailored to include:

• What is Diabetes?
• Complications
• Risk Factors
• Data, specific to the targeted community
• Signs/Symptoms
• Prevention, specific to diet & exercise
• Resources for screening and/or referral
• Self-management
• Resources for involvement in eliminating health disparities regarding diabetes

Community Outreach

• Single or Multi-session educational presentations to high-risk community groups
• Literature distribution at local health fairs and events
• *Random Blood Glucose, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and BMI Screenings (*If staffing permits, or coordinated through the Tarrant County Diabetes Collaboration)

Group Classes

• Single-session or multi-session educational classes  
• Referral to group classes at other community locations

• Diabetes - Learn the "basics" about diabetes. This class includes information about how diabetes affects your body, signs &symptoms, risk factors, and ways to help prevent or delay getting diabetes or its complications.

• High Blood Pressure - Find out what hypertension is, how it affects your body, signs & symptoms, and risk factors. Learn ways to help prevent or delay getting high blood pressure or its complications.

• Asthma - Learn what is meant by "asthma triggers" and how to identify changes that can reduce or eliminate the triggers. Find out how to correctly use inhalers and peak flow meters. Leave the class knowing more about how to manage asthma.

• Osteoporosis - This class is intended for those who may be at risk for developing this major health problem. Find out about how the symptoms and risk factors for bone loss, as well as things you can do to prevent or delay getting it.

• Weighing on Wellness - Hear about the current obesity epidemic, some of the causes for this condition, and the consequences of obesity. Learn the different ways overweight/obesity can be measured and explore some of the options for healthy weight loss. BMI Table

• How to Talk to Your Doctor - We will talk about "building bridges" between you and your doctor by understanding the doctor's role and his/her duty to you. In particular, your doctor should communicate important health information to you in a clear and understandable manner. Your actions matter too. You can make a difference through what you say and how you say it. Making the most of your doctor's visit 

• Move and Groove - In this class, you will learn the basics of exercise and how to get started. It is filled with fun activities such as hula-hooping, chair dancing and stretching. Participation in the activities is not required and all ages are welcome!

• Family Violence Prevention - This presentation explores the dynamic of family violence in the home and its effects on children. It is an introduction to the public health appriach to the primary prevention of family violence/intimate partner violence. Participants will learn that teen dating violence is unacceptable and is a crime.

• Teen Dating Violence /Healthy Relationships - This presentation will provide an overview and discussion of teen dating violence. Participants will learn the definition of abuse, become aware of the prevalence of teen dating violence, types of dating violence, myths and facts, prevention and strategies. Participants will learn that teen dating violence is unacceptable and is a crime.

• The Emotions of Anger - Learn the definition of anger in this presentation. This presentation will help participants identify their anger style as well as the anger signs and symptoms. The health and social consequences of chronic, unmanaged anger will be discussed. Constructive ways to handle anger will be discussed as well. 

• Bullying Awareness and Prevention - Participants will gain more knowledge about bullying behaviors: This presentation includes the definition of bullying as well as identification of the three main types of bullying. Health and social consequences of bullying behaviors for the bully and the target will be discussed in addition to the role of the bystander. Bullying prevention and intervention strategies will be introduced.

• Kids Growing Healthy - A program geared toward 5th grade students in Tarrant County. This program offers five free, interactive sessions and a 2 to 3 month follow-up evaluation to identify changes in daily nutrition and physical activity behaviors.

• Tobacco Awareness - Participants learn how tobacco use affects the body. This class is designed to prevent tobacco usage among Tarrant County Youth.

Prostate Education and Awareness

Prostate cancer information is provided through our division. Focus areas include prevention, early detection and successful treatment options.

Objectives:

• To provide general information on prostate cancer including symptoms, signs, and risk factors
• To clarify myths and misconceptions about prostate cancer
• To teach participants to be able to identify and demonstrate an understanding of key facts concerning prostate cancer

Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program

The BCCCP assists medically underserved women ages 18-64 without private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. The following services are provided:

• Breast Health Education
• Clinical Breast Exams
• Screening Mammograms
• Breast Diagnostic Studies
• Case Management Services
  *Includes referral for treatment of cancer
• Cervical Health Education
• Pap Smears
• Cervical Diagnostic Studies

Community Initiatives Regarding Health Equity

Addressing the elimination of health disparities in the African American, Native American/American Indian, & Hispanic communities.

Unnatural Causes

A documentary series explaining how race, socioeconomic status, and one's zip code can affect your health. Please contact us to come out to your community and facilitate a viewing and discussion of this remarkable series!

Resource Groups

These forums were created to provide information and to gain feedback regarding current community projects, programs, and initiatives related to health.

Current Groups

• African American
• Native American/American Indian
• Hispanic

• Tarrant County Diabetes Collaboration
• Heart Health Screenings

Links to other resources:

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

American Heart Association