Educating The Public About Chronic Disease (NAPSA)—A new health care partnership is offering a prescription that may help save lives and reduce health care costs. The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) wants to raise awareness about policies and practices that help to promote more effective prevention and managementof chronic disease. Experts say chronic diseases are on the rise and are the primary drivers of health care costs. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 30 percent of all adults are considered obese. Obesity often leads to other diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke and some kinds of cancers. In addition, the number of people diagnosed with dia- betes almost doubled from 1995 to 2005. Chronic diseases account for more than 75 cents of every dollar spent on health care in this coun- try and are the leading cause of death in the United States. According to former Surgeon General, Richard H. Carmona, “Because of increasing rates of obesity...we may see thefirst generation that will...have shorterlife expectancies than their parents.” To find solutions that work in the fight against chronic dis- ease, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and America’s research pharmaceutical compa- nies have joined with the American Hospital Association, the National Health Council, the Service Employees International Union and some 75 additional Experts say chronic diseases account for more than 75 cents of every dollar spent on health care in this country. organizations to form the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD). The PFCDsays it hopes to cen- ter more of the the national dia- logue on patients and their experience, particularly when it comes to issues such as increasing access to high-quality health care and preventive care; promoting health and wellness; reducing health disparities; eliminating bureaucracy in the health system; and enhanc- ing health information. The Partnership’s missionis to: eEducate the public about chronic disease and potential solutions for individuals and communities. Mobilize Americans to call for change in how governments, employers and health institutions approachchronic disease. Challenge policymakers and presidential candidates to focus on the health policy changes that are necessary to effectively fight chronic disease. For more information, go to www.PhRMA.org and www.fight chronicdisease.org.
