Chronic and Secondary Conditions

People with disabilities are more likely to experience  preventable chronic health camp2008_fr_umkcconditions such as, diabetes and heart disease, and are considerably more likely to be obese when compared with people without disabilities (37.6% compared to 23.8% of people without disabilities).1

People with disabilities are also at risk for other health conditions called secondary conditions. These health problems related to a disability can be prevented as well as
treated. Secondary condition can be defined as “any additional physical or mental health condition that occurs as a result of having a primary disabling condition.”5 Common secondary conditions may include bowel or bladder problems, fatigue, injury, depression, obesity, pain, and pressure sores or ulcers.6  Other problems can include pain, and a greater risk for certain illnesses such as flu, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), or musculoskeletal disorders.6

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