|
|
|
Diseases and Risk FactorsCDC Programs Please click on the following topics to find information on this page about chronic disease prevention and health promotion related to Steps Program focus areas: ObesityOverweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions. In the last 30 years, the prevalence of obesity among adults has more than doubled to about 33%; the prevalence of overweight has almost tripled among children aged 2–5 and aged 6–11 to 13.9% and 18.8%, respectively; and the prevalence of overweight has more than tripled to 17.4% for adolescents aged 12–19. In 2000, the estimated total cost of obesity in the United States was about $117 billion. Promoting regular physical activity and healthy eating—and creating an environment that supports these behaviors—are essential to addressing the obesity epidemic. For information and resources related to overweight and obesity, please visit the following Web sites:
DiabetesIn the past 15 years, the number of people in the
United States with diagnosed diabetes has more than doubled—reaching 14.6
million in 2005—and an additional 6.2 million people do not even know they
have the disease. Furthermore, an estimated 41 million U.S. adults aged
40–74 years have prediabetes, which means that their blood sugar level is
elevated enough to place them at high risk for developing diabetes. In 2002,
the estimated total cost of diabetes in the United States was Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people can take steps to prevent the disease as well as lower the risk of complications if they already have it. In addition, studies have shown that people with prediabetes who lose weight and increase their physical activity can prevent or delay diabetes, and even return their blood glucose levels to normal. For information and resources related to diabetes, please visit the following Web sites:
AsthmaIn 2005, more than 32 million Americans had been diagnosed with asthma during their lifetime. Asthma is the third-leading cause of hospitalization for children younger than 15 years of age and accounts for 14 million missed days of school annually. Low-income populations, minorities, and children living in inner cities experience disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality due to asthma. In 2001, the estimated total cost of asthma in the United States was $14 billion. Asthma can be controlled by following a medical management plan and by avoiding contact with environmental “triggers.” For information and resources related to asthma, please visit the following Web sites:
Physical Inactivity, Poor Nutrition, and Tobacco UseUnderlying these conditions—obesity, diabetes, and asthma—are risk behaviors such as physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and tobacco use. Engaging in healthy behaviors greatly reduces the risk for illness and death due to chronic diseases. Learn more about addressing these three risk factors by visiting the following Web sites:
Additional References
*Links to non-Federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. Links do not constitute an endorsement of any organization by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at this link.
Page last reviewed: May 2, 2008 |
|
||||||||||||
|