The Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention (CDIP) program works to promote health and quality of life throughout Austin and Travis County by working within the community to prevent and control disease. To learn more about Injury Prevention, please visit our Injury Prevention page

Chronic diseases and conditions are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems. Examples of chronic diseases include cancer, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic lower respiratory disease, and diabetes. These diseases are not contagious. They develop slowly over time, and there may  be no symptoms before onset. Risks for developing chronic diseases are significantly influenced by lifestyle behaviors, like nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco use.  We cannot control all of our risks factors, but we can do our best  to control those we can. 

Chronic Disease Logo

Though there are many things we can do as individuals, supporting more spaces and systems that promote healthy living is also critical to preventing disease and improving quality of life. Ensuring that homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, places of worship, and schools are offering an environment and culture that supports wellness is a priority for this program, especially in regards to reducing health inequities based on income, region, or other socioeconomic factors.

Recommendations for a healthy lifestyle:

Active Living

  • Be active at least 150 minutes a week with moderate intensity physical activity, for at least 10 minutes at a time (or 30 minutes a day, five days a week).
  • Do muscle-strengthening activities that are moderate or high intensity and involve all major muscle groups on two or more days a week.

Healthy Eating

  • Increase fruit and vegetable consumption to at least 5-9 servings a day.
  • Reduce consumption of "junk" foods, or foods considered to have minimal nutritional value.

Tobacco-Free Living

  • Do not use cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, electronic smoking devices, or any other form of tobacco product.
  • Minimize exposure to secondhand smoke.

The CDIP Program staffs two local coalitions with a broad range of membership. These coalitions are dedicated to improving individual behaviors and the systems and environments in which people live so that healthier living is easier. Learn more:

Programs and services offered to help prevent and manage chronic disease include: