Inspire Healthly Living

One of the greatest challenges facing our healthcare system is the growing number of people with chronic illnesses. Empowering patients with information and tools to support healthier lifestyles is crucial to curbing healthcare cost growth.

More than 133 million Americans - one of every two adults - have at least one chronic condition (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). In addition, more than a quarter of all Americans - including two in three older Americans - have multiple chronic conditions (Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2006).

Initiatives to curb the growth of chronic illness are sound investments. A Milken Institute study estimates the impact of chronic illness on the economy at $1 trillion annually, much of which is avoidable (DeVol, 2007). Rising obesity rates and other unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, contribute to the growing number of people with chronic illnesses. Obesity alone has been estimated to cost $147 billion a year (CDC, 2009).

Encouraging healthy lifestyles, including good nutrition, regular physical activity and smoking cessation, can lower the risk of developing chronic conditions that add significant costs to the healthcare system. To do this, we must have a dual strategy - keep people healthy to prevent the onset of disease and effectively coordinate care for those with chronic conditions.