The Implications for Individuals
Chronic disease touches the life of every American.
"Because of increasing rates of obesity...we may see the first generation that will...have shorter life expectancy than their parents."
— Former Surgeon General, Richard H. Carmona
The physical, emotional, and financial costs of chronic disease are likely to affect virtually every person in the United States, directly or indirectly, during their lifetime.
The Physical and Emotional Cost
Chronic diseases pose a significant burden on American families and hinder a person's ability to lead a "normal" lifestyle. They can directly and significantly limit a person's quality and length of life, as well as personal freedom and opportunities. Chronic diseases are associated with reduced civic participation and educational attainment, among other things.
Chronic diseases can be disabling, especially if they are left undiagnosed or untreated..
- For example, every 30 seconds a lower limb is amputated as a consequence of diabetes. (Citation: Boulton AJ, Vileikyte L, Ragnarson-Tennvall G, Apelqvist J. The Global Burden of Diabetic Foot Disease.The Lancet. November 12, 2005; 366 (9498): 1719-1724.)
Even if a given person does not have a chronic disease, often someone close to them does, whether it's a family member, friend, neighbor or coworker. Many Americans act as caregivers to someone with a chronic disease, and may have to miss work or school to help care for those who are ill.
The Financial Cost
For the 45% of Americans with a chronic disease and their families, the financial cost of chronic disease can be significant. The cost of health care coverage for people with a chronic condition average $6,032 annually, which is five times higher than for those without such a condition.
Every American, even those without a chronic disease personally, bear the financial burden that these diseases pose on the U.S. population as a whole.
In the U.S., total national spending on public and private health care amounted to approximately $2 trillion during 2005.
Of that amount, more than 75% went toward treatment of chronic disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That amounts to $5,000 worth of spending per person on treatment of chronic disease, more than double what the average American spends on gasoline in a year.
The Future
Current trends like the aging of the population and the rising rates of obesity, particularly in children, will lead to greater numbers of Americans suffering from chronic disease. Â
The Good News
Simple changes in behavior and lifestyle can reverse the current trends, but it takes a willingness to work harder - as individuals, communities, and as a nation - to make this happen.
You can take steps to improve your own health and the health of your family »
