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Chronic Disease Awareness Day: 7 Powerful Actions to Build a Healthier Texas

  • Writer: Marva Edwards-Marshall
    Marva Edwards-Marshall
  • Jul 10
  • 2 min read

Chronic diseases—like diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and kidney failure—cause 7 out of 10 deaths in Texas and consume most of our state’s health-care dollars. Chronic Disease Awareness Day (observed July 10) is a reminder that prevention is possible, care should be accessible, and community partnerships save lives.


Man taking notes during a video call with a smiling female doctor on a laptop. Doctor in blue scrubs holds a bottle, office background.
Understanding your condition empowers you to effectively manage your health

Why Awareness Matters

Many chronic illnesses develop silently for years. When people finally feel symptoms, organ damage may already be advanced. Raising awareness encourages early screenings, healthy habits, and timely treatment, especially for uninsured and under-served Texans who face extra barriers to care.


7 Actions You Can Start Today

  1. Know Your Numbers - Check blood pressure, A1C, cholesterol, and BMI annually. If you don’t have a primary provider, low-cost community labs or our virtual clinic can order tests without insurance.

  2. Move in Mini-Bursts - Three 10-minute walks per day lower blood pressure and blood sugar just as well as a single 30-minute session.

  3. Fill Half Your Plate with Produce - Colorful fruits and veggies supply fiber, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory compounds that fight heart disease and cancer.

  4. Kick Tobacco for Good - Quitting smoking cuts heart-attack risk in half within one year. Ask about nicotine-replacement therapy and virtual counseling.

  5. Manage Stress Proactively - Deep breathing, prayer, or journaling five minutes a day lowers cortisol and improves immunity.

  6. Stay Vaccinated - Flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia shots prevent infections that often trigger hospital stays for people with chronic illness.

  7. Schedule Regular Virtual Check-Ins - Telehealth removes transportation and cost barriers, making it easier to fine-tune medications and lifestyle plans.


Improving Access to Care: The MEM Model

At MEM Health Promotion Services, we believe geography, income, or insurance status should never block someone from quality chronic-disease care. Our virtual practice:

  • Offers video visits across Texas for adults 20+

  • Provides sliding-scale pricing and possible lab discounts

  • Use secure messaging so patients can ask questions anytime


To honor Chronic Disease Awareness Day, we’re implementing our Free First Visit to the first 10 new patients. You’ll receive a personalized prevention or management plan you can start immediately.



Building Healthier Communities Together


Awareness must lead to action. Here’s how organizations can help:

  • Employers: Offer wellness breaks, desk standing, and healthy cafeteria options.

  • Faith Groups: Host blood-pressure screenings after services.

  • Schools: Integrate nutrition and activity lessons into the curriculum.

  • Local Officials: Invest in safe parks, bike lanes, and community gardens.


Every step—large or small—creates momentum. On Chronic Disease Awareness Day, commit to at least one of the seven actions above and share your progress on social media with #TexasChronicCare. Together, we can transform knowledge into healthier, longer lives for every Texan.


Ready to take control of your health? Schedule your virtual visit today and join a growing community fighting chronic disease with knowledge, support, and compassion.


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