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Jun 13, 2011

A new chronic disease prevention initiative was announced Tuesday by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Funded by last year’s health care reform bill, this money will be made available to help state efforts to battle five of the nation’s most common and costly health problems: heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis.

Finding effective ways to prevent and manage chronic disease is a promising way to improve and lengthen the lives of millions of Americans while simultaneously lowering health care costs. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 7 out of 10 deaths each year are from chronic disease and that in 2005 almost 50% of adults suffered from at least one chronic illness. These diseases also account for nearly 75% of America’s $2.5 trillion annual medical costs.

 

-- The Hill / The Center for Disease Control / Health and Human Services