Every person in our local communities, the young, the old, and the in-between, should have access to safe and affordable healthful lifestyles with the opportunity to be as healthy as he or she can be—no matter where they live, learn, work, or play. Unfortunately, many adults and children are overweight or obese, are not practicing healthy living behaviors, and have developed health problems or chronic diseases. Reversing the chronic disease epidemic requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that uses policy and environmental change to transform communities into places that support and promote healthy lifestyle choices.
Facts:
- Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in America
- Health care costs are increasing every year; more that 75% of medical care costs are attributed to chronic diseases, which in large part are preventable (CDC)
- The percentage of children and adolescents with a chronic disease condition has increased from 1.8% in 1964 to more than 7% in 2004, nationally
- Six in ten obese young people have at least one additional risk factor for heart disease
- Young people who are obese are more likely than children of normal weight to become overweight or obese adults; they are at greater risk for bone and joint problems and sleep apnea
