The Full Spectrum Blog

The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) just released its 2009 Almanac of Chronic Disease, which profiles the economic impact of the ever-growing chronic disease epidemic.

I couldn’t make it to PFCD’s event yesterday at the National Press Club, so I downloaded a copy of the report to read – and immediately shared it with everyone I work with on prevention and public health issues.  The Almanac is chocked full of excellent data on how policy action now to combat chronic disease will not only improve the nation’s health but will also make health care more affordable and help boost long-term growth in the economy.

Check out some of the Almanac’s numbers:

• During 2007, the U.S. spent an estimated $1.7 trillion treating patients with one or more chronic conditions – the equivalent of 34 million annual salaries of $50,000.
• Without change, the U.S. will experience a more than 50% growth in cases of cancer, mental disorders and diabetes and more than 40% growth in heart disease.
• An obese 70-year-old will spend approximately 20% more on health care over their lifetime – nearly $40,000 – than a peer of normal weight.

To feel the full impact of this last point, you’ve got to check out the Obesity Map.  A pretty powerful visual on the evolution of the obesity crisis in the US.

• Spending just $10 per person per year on chronic disease prevention programs would save the U.S. more than $16 billion within 5 years.

 The positive take-home message here is that disease management and prevention strategies work, and a small output now will have a tremendous impact in the future.  Ten bucks each for prevention?  That’s a number we should all be talking about.

Courtney Gray Haupt, Senior Director, Public Affairs and Health Policy