Chronic diseases are a significant problem in the United States, accounting for many of the most prevalent and costly illnesses that affect Americans. More than 133 million Americans, or 45 percent of the population, have at least one chronic condition. These conditions include arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular (heart) disease, depression and diabetes, though these are only a few of many chronic illnesses that negatively impact the lives of Americans.
Many chronic diseases are caused or exacerbated by poor nutrition, lack of exercise, smok ing and other lifestyle choices. As a result of these factors, as well as a lack of emphasis on preventive care, incidence rates of chronic disease have increased substantially over the last two decades. Risk factors like obesity are also on the rise. Since 1980, obesity rates have increased 250 percent, now affecting 71 million Americans. This has tremendous implications for future generations; for example, it is predicted that 1 in 3 children born in 2000 will develop diabetes over the course of their lives, given current trends in overweight and obesity.
Not surprisingly, chronic diseases have become the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Seven out of every 10 deaths are attributable to chronic disease, and illnesses like heart disease and cancer top the list of most common causes of death. Minority populations are often disproportionately impacted by chronic disease, with African Americans and Hispanics often 1.5 to 2 times more likely to have a certain condition than their white counterparts.
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