6 in 10 Americans live with at least one chronic disease, like heart blood pressure, cancer or diabetes. Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. We know that we can lower our risk of chronic disease by 1) eating nutritious foods, 2) getting physical activity throughout the day, 3) not using tobacco, 4) keeping alcohol use to a minimum (or not using at all), and 5) having regular health screenings.