Why It Matters

From the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

• Each year in the United States, chronic disease such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes cause 7 in 10 deaths and account for about 75% of the $2 trillion spent on medical care.

• In 2010, the economic costs of cardiovascular diseases and stroke were estimated at $444.2 billion, including $272.5 billion in direct medical expenses and $171.7 billion in indirect costs.

• In 2007, medical costs attributed to diabetes included $27 billion for care to directly treat diabetes, $58 billion to treat diabetes-related chronic complications attributable to diabetes, and $31 billion in excess general medical costs

• In 2008, the estimated health care costs related to obesity were $147 billion 

• Indirect costs for employers associated with poor employee health, including absenteeism, presenteeism, disability, or reduced work output, may be several times higher than direct medical costs. Productivity losses related to personal and family health problems cost US employers $1,685 per employee per year, or $225.8 billion annually.

The health of our healthcare system and the health of our economy is directly related to our lifestyle choices. This isn't about "them" anymore. It is about all of us.

If you are healthy, your job is to help others get to better health. If you're not healthy, your assignment is to find someone to help you get healthy. Don't wait for the promise of a new diet pill or the hope for gastric bypass surgery. Do something right now. Every little choice matters. Every moment counts. Every day is a new day to take a step closer to a healthy lifestyle.

Good for you. Good for us. Good for our healthcare system. Good for our economy. We're in this together. Let's help each other.