Chronic Disease Education, Prevention & Awareness Program
At the Center for Transformative Health, we are committed to addressing the pressing challenge of chronic diseases, particularly within disadvantaged populations who face significant health disparities. Our programs are designed to not only reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases but also to provide essential support for managing preexisting conditions. By focusing on diabetes, cardiovascular health, and stroke prevention, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to lead healthier lives. Our programs help to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases as well as manage preexisting conditions. Our approach is grounded in rigorous research and evidence-based practices that inform the development of health promotion and disease prevention programs. We work closely with local communities to identify the specific health challenges they face and to co-create solutions that are culturally relevant and effective.
Programs
The CTH’s Healthy Conversations that Matter Series is a 30-minute-long, evidenced-based presentation discussing various health topics prevalent in our communities. Our goal is to inform and ultimately, encourage healthy behavioral changes. Our chronic disease health talks will include cardiovascular health, stroke education, and diabetes prevention and management. To schedule an expert to speak to your group, click the link below.
Topics:
Don’t Sugarcoat It: Diabetes Prevention & Management
Do Your Part, Care For your Heart: Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Management
B.E. F.A.S.T. Stroke Education & Prevention
Beyond the Symptoms: Understanding Long COVID
Breaking the Silence: Shining a Light on Mental Health
Lupus: The Chameleon of Autoimmune Diseases
Our goal is to shift the focus from reactive to proactive care. The CTH’s screening program aims to detect diseases early in asymptomatic individuals, allowing for timely intervention and management. This can prevent complications, improve quality of life, and reduce overall healthcare costs. By Implementing regular screenings, early intervention strategies, and lifestyle modifications, we can prevent chronic diseases before they develop. We are available both at TSU and community outreach events through vending events and pop-up clinics. To schedule a pop-up clinic or invite us to a vending opportunity, email transformative.health@tsu.edu.
Screenings Offered:
A1C
Blood glucose
Cholesterol
Blood pressure
Heart rate
HDL/LDL
SPO2
Triglycerides
Chronic Disease Focus Areas
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By prioritizing diabetes treatment and education, the TSU Center for Transformative Health can make a significant impact on both individual lives and the broader community health landscape. Focusing on diabetes treatment and education at the TSU Center for Transformative Health offers several significant benefits:
Prevalence and Impact: Diabetes is a major public health issue with high prevalence rates and significant impacts on individuals' health and quality of life. Addressing diabetes can substantially improve community health outcomes.
Chronic Disease Management: Diabetes requires ongoing management to prevent complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and kidney failure. Effective treatment and education can help control blood sugar levels and reduce these risks.
Prevention and Early Detection: Educating the community about diabetes risk factors and symptoms can lead to earlier detection and preventive measures, potentially reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Cost-Effectiveness: Managing diabetes effectively can reduce healthcare costs associated with complications and emergency care. Preventive education and proactive management can lead to substantial long-term savings.
Health Disparities: Diabetes disproportionately affects certain populations, including those with lower socioeconomic status or limited access to healthcare. Focusing on diabetes can address these disparities by providing targeted education and resources.
Empowerment and Self-Management: Education empowers individuals with diabetes to manage their condition more effectively. Providing tools, resources, and support helps patients make informed decisions about their health.
Community Impact: By focusing on diabetes, the center can become a hub for diabetes care and education in the community, fostering better health practices and creating a supportive network for those affected by the disease.
Integration with Broader Health Goals: Diabetes management often intersects with other health initiatives, such as cardiovascular health, nutrition, and mental wellness. Addressing diabetes can enhance overall health outcomes and support broader health goals.
Research and Innovation: Diabetes is a field ripe for research and innovation. By focusing on diabetes, the center can contribute to advancements in treatment and care, potentially influencing practices on a larger scale.
Personal and Public Health Benefits: Improved diabetes care and education not only enhance individual health but also have positive ripple effects on public health, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving community well-being.
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By prioritizing stroke prevention, the TSU Center for Transformative Health can make a significant impact on reducing stroke incidence, improving quality of life, and contributing to broader public health goals. Focusing on stroke prevention at the TSU Center for Transformative Health is crucial for several compelling reasons:
High Prevalence and Mortality: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. By emphasizing prevention, the center can help reduce the incidence of stroke and its associated mortality.
Impact on Quality of Life: Stroke often leads to significant long-term disabilities, including physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. Preventive measures can help maintain a higher quality of life for individuals by reducing the risk of these debilitating outcomes.
Economic Burden: The costs associated with stroke care—both direct (medical expenses) and indirect (loss of productivity, long-term care)—are substantial. Effective stroke prevention can reduce these financial burdens on individuals and the healthcare system.
Modifiable Risk Factors: Many stroke risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol, are modifiable through lifestyle changes and medical interventions. By focusing on these areas, the center can help individuals make meaningful changes to reduce their risk.
Community Health Impact: Stroke prevention initiatives can have a broad impact on community health. Educating the public about risk factors, warning signs, and healthy lifestyle choices can lead to a healthier population overall.
Integration with Other Health Programs: Stroke prevention aligns with other health initiatives, such as cardiovascular health, diabetes management, and wellness programs. Addressing stroke risk factors can enhance the effectiveness of these broader health strategies.
Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about stroke symptoms and the importance of timely medical intervention can lead to faster treatment and better outcomes. Educating the community can also promote preventive behaviors and early detection.
Support for At-Risk Populations: Certain populations, including older adults and those with specific health conditions, are at higher risk for stroke. Targeted prevention programs can provide tailored support and resources to these high-risk groups.
Research Opportunities: Stroke prevention is an area of ongoing research. By focusing on stroke prevention, the center can contribute to advancements in understanding and reducing stroke risk, potentially influencing practices and policies on a larger scale.
Holistic Health Approach: Addressing stroke prevention fits into a holistic approach to health, integrating aspects of cardiovascular health, mental wellness, and overall well-being. This comprehensive approach can lead to better health outcomes and a more integrated healthcare model.
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By prioritizing cardiovascular health, the TSU Center for Transformative Health can play a pivotal role in reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, improving individual health, and contributing to broader public health improvements. Focusing on cardiovascular health at the TSU Center for Transformative Health is crucial for several reasons:
Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of death globally, including in the U.S. Addressing cardiovascular health can significantly impact overall public health and reduce mortality rates.
Major Risk Factors: Many common risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity, are modifiable. Effective management and prevention strategies can significantly lower the incidence of CVD.
Economic Impact: The cost of cardiovascular diseases is substantial, including both direct medical expenses and indirect costs related to lost productivity. Focusing on prevention and management can help reduce these financial burdens on individuals and the healthcare system.
Impact on Quality of Life: Cardiovascular diseases can lead to severe complications, including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and chronic health issues that affect quality of life. By improving cardiovascular health, the center can help prevent these debilitating conditions and enhance individuals' well-being.
Integrative Health Benefits: Cardiovascular health is interconnected with other aspects of health, such as metabolic health, mental well-being, and physical fitness. A focus on cardiovascular health can therefore contribute to overall wellness and improve outcomes in related health areas.
Public Education and Awareness: Educating the community about cardiovascular risk factors, healthy lifestyle choices, and the importance of regular check-ups can empower individuals to make informed decisions and adopt healthier habits.
Prevention and Early Detection: Effective cardiovascular health programs can help with the early detection of risk factors and conditions, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of more severe cardiovascular events.
Health Disparities: Cardiovascular diseases disproportionately affect certain populations, including those with lower socioeconomic status and certain racial or ethnic groups. Focusing on cardiovascular health can help address these disparities by providing targeted education and resources.
Research and Innovation: Cardiovascular health is an area of ongoing research and innovation. By focusing on this field, the center can contribute to advancements in treatment, prevention, and understanding of cardiovascular diseases.
Holistic Care Approach: Cardiovascular health programs can be integrated with broader health initiatives, such as chronic disease management, nutrition programs, and physical activity promotions. This holistic approach can enhance overall health outcomes and create a more comprehensive care model.
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Chronic Disease Education
The Tiger’s Health Talk Series is a cornerstone of our educational efforts. These 30-minute, evidence-based presentations are designed to address the health issues most prevalent in our communities. Each session is crafted to not only inform but also to inspire participants to make healthier lifestyle choices. The series covers a range of topics in our focus areas.
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Chronic Disease Screening
Early detection is key to managing chronic diseases effectively. We offer comprehensive screening services, including A1C, blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, heart rate, SPO2, and STD/STI screenings. These screenings are available at our community outreach events, vending events, and pop-up clinics, ensuring that essential health services are accessible to all.
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Community Outreach
Our commitment to the community extends beyond the clinic. Through vending events and pop-up clinics, we bring health education and screening services directly to the neighborhoods that need them most. These outreach efforts are designed to break down barriers to healthcare and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to take control of their health.