One Health

In July, we take the opportunity to talk about chronic diseases- a concern for people and pets a like.

7 out of 10 human deaths in the United States annually are caused by chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. If we think about all of the One Health Systems that intersect, we also think about economics; and chronic disease accounts for 90% of spending in the U.S. healthcare system. Pets can suffer from similar chronic conditions.

The good news is that for both humans and pets, many chronic conditions are preventable! Here are some things you can do to keep all the members of your family healthy:

• Regular check-ups: You and your pets need regular check-ups to monitor for early signs of chronic disease. Follow doctor/veterinarian recommendations for any regular testing (like blood work or cancer screenings).

• Good diet and exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle are important for you and your pet, and something you can work on together!

• Environment: Make adjustments around your home as you and your pet age. Things like arthritis and osteoporosis can affect mobility and preventing falls and injury will keep everyone healthy longer.

How do your organizations promote health and well-being and help to combat chronic disease?

References:

Self Care - Chronic Disease Awareness Day

Managing Chronic Conditions in Pets A Comprehensive Guide - Petcare Bytes

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Kaitlyn Andres, MS, MPH
Research Associate
Program for Pet Health Equity
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
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Thanks for sharing. As someone with endometriosis, this really resonates. Chronic conditions often require ongoing care, and regular check-ups, healthy habits, and early intervention can make a big difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

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neetu chauhan
Volunteer Coordinator
Endometriosis Awareness & Support California
CA
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Thank you for sharing this. I have endometriosis too and have been diagnosed with stage 3 and stage 4, so your comment really resonates with me.

People often underestimate how much ongoing pain, fatigue, inflammation, surgeries, and uncertainty can affect daily life. Regular care and early intervention can help, but endometriosis is also a reminder that chronic illness is not a personal failure and cannot always be prevented through healthy habits alone.

I appreciate you bringing your experience into this conversation and helping others feel less alone. 💛

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Jessica Hyams
Founder
The Voiceless Bond JCMH Foundation
El Cajon CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-26-2026 11:05 PM
From: neetu chauhan
Subject: July is Chronic Disease Awareness Month

Thanks for sharing. As someone with endometriosis, this really resonates. Chronic conditions often require ongoing care, and regular check-ups, healthy habits, and early intervention can make a big difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

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neetu chauhan
Volunteer Coordinator
Endometriosis Awareness & Support California
CA
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Everyone on our board has a chronic illness of some sort. We've learned to work together to get things done on a schedule that's best for everyone. We also give each other a lot of grace. 

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Bre Hoffman (they/m)
Special Little Whiskers Sanctuary Decatur IL
SpecialLittleWhiskersKittenRescue.com
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Thank you for highlighting the connection between chronic disease, human health, animal health, and the environments we share.

As the founder of The Voiceless Bond JCMH Foundation, I approach health and well-being through a One Health and trauma-informed lens. Our developing program focuses on prevention where possible, early recognition of changes in behavior or health, safe environments, appropriate referrals, and strengthening the human-animal bond as a source of connection and support.

I also believe it is important to acknowledge that not every chronic disease is preventable. Genetics, disability, trauma, environmental exposure, access to care, finances, housing, and other social determinants can strongly affect outcomes for both people and animals. Prevention education should empower people without suggesting that illness is a personal failure.

This is personal to me as someone with a hereditary CDH1 mutation who has undergone major risk-reducing surgeries. Healthy habits could not remove that genetic risk, but screening, informed medical care, and early intervention helped me make life-saving decisions.

For animals, the same balanced approach matters: routine veterinary care, nutrition, movement, behavioral observation, accessible environments, and early evaluation can improve quality of life, while compassion and practical support help families continue caring for pets with chronic conditions.

Our goal is to promote health without judgment-recognizing that prevention matters, access matters, and people and animals living with chronic disease still deserve dignity, inclusion, and meaningful support.

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Jessica Hyams
Founder
The Voiceless Bond JCMH Foundation
El Cajon CA
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