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HEALTH PROMOTION & PREVENTION - A NEW PRIORITY

“Approximately 95% of the 1.4 trillion dollars that we spend as a nation on health goes to direct medical care services, while an estimated 5% is allocated to preventing disease and promoting health. This approach is equivalent to waiting for your car to break down before you take it in for maintenance.  By changing the way we view our health, the Steps initiative helps us move from a disease care system to a true health care system.”

—Secretary Tommy G. Thompson
   U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

In April, HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today called on Americans to take the steps that will lead to a healthier nation at a first of its kind national health summit he convened in Baltimore. The two-day summit, "Steps to a HealthierUS: Putting Prevention First," was attended by a thousand community leaders, policy makers, health officials and others.

Focusing attention on the importance of prevention and promising approaches for promoting healthy environments, the Secretary laid out his priorities and programs for Steps to a HealthierUS, a department-wide effort in support of the President's HealthierUS initiative.

In the United States today, 7 of 10 deaths and the vast majority of serious illness, disability and health care costs are caused by chronic diseases. Underlying these serious diseases are several important risk factors -- poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use and exposure -- that can be modified years before they contribute to illness and death.

"I am convinced that preventing disease by promoting better health is a smart policy choice for our future," Secretary Thompson said. "Our current health care system is not structured to deal with the escalating costs of treating diseases that are largely preventable through changes in our lifestyle choices."

"Steps envisions a healthy, strong United States -- where diseases are prevented when possible, controlled when necessary and treated when appropriate. It's a bold shift in our approach to the health of our citizens, moving us from a disease care system to a health care system."

The Prevention Portfolio is a series of three publications that will guide community leaders, policy makers and health officials in their efforts to make their communities healthier. The trio of publications provides useful tools -- the why, how, and what of disease prevention for policymakers and their managers. The first of a series in support of the Steps initiative, these three publications are:

• THE POWER OF PREVENTION: An informative resource for educating policymakers about long-term, cost-effective prevention programs. Detailing the economic and health burden of chronic diseases, this publication supports HHS efforts to bring together community leaders, as we take steps to creating a healthier U.S.
• PREVENTION STRATEGIES THAT WORK:  A how-to prevention guide for learning effective strategies for reducing the burden of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart disease and stroke, as well as for the lifestyle choices associated with them, including tobacco use, physical activity and nutrition, and youth risk taking.
• PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN ACTION: A collection of exemplary prevention programs from states and communities across the United States, demonstrating that prevention is possible in every corner of the United States and for every citizen.

HealthierUS.gov is also a source of credible, accurate information to help Americans choose to live healthier lives.

• PHYSICAL FITNESS - BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE EACH DAY: Learn how to make regular physical activity a routine part of your life.
• PREVENTION - GET PREVENTATIVE SCREENING: Find out how screening can protect you and your family from illnesses YOU can prevent.
• NUTRITION - EAT A NUTRITIOUS DIET: Healthy eating is not a fad-it's a lifestyle. Learn what the experts say you need for a healthy diet.
• MAKE HEALTH CHOICES - AVOID RISKY BEHAVIOR: Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. If you smoke, you can quit. If you don't smoke, don't start!
• SEARCH: Search all the linked resources on HealthierUS.Gov.

http://www.HealthierUS.gov