The Chronic Disease Crisis
Chronic diseases are creating a national health care crisis.
Chronic diseases – ongoing, generally incurable illnesses, such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes and heart disease – are the single greatest threat to our nation's health and to our health care system. In the United States, chronic diseases:
- account for more than 75 cents of every dollar spent on health care in this country
- are the #1 cause of death and disability
- are the #1 driver of rising health care costs
The Current Situation
Chronic disease is on the rise in the United States, and the increase in chronic disease comes at a high cost to individuals, communities, and the nation. Read more »
Learn more about rising rates of chronic disease and their impact on our nation's health and health care costs in this brief PowerPoint presentation »
Risk Factors & Causes
Many Americans have poor health behaviors, such as smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor nutrition that put them at a greater risk of developing a chronic disease. Simple changes in behavior and lifestyle could save lives and money. Read more »
What is Chronic Disease?
Some of the most prevalent chronic diseases are asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes and heart disease, though these are only a few of many illnesses that negatively impact the lives of Americans. Read more »
