Chronic Disease Facts and Resources
Chronic diseases - such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes - are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Disease rates from these conditions are accelerating globally and nationally, growing across every region and affecting all socioeconomic classes.
These diseases account for seven of every 10 deaths and affect the quality of life of 90 million Americans. Seventy percent of health-care costs in the United State are for chronic diseases.
Obesity rates skyrocket
Additionally, more than 72 million of U.S. adults and 16% of U.S. children are obese. Obesity, directly linked to many chronic diseases have more than doubled in rates among all groups in our society, irrespective of socioeconomic status, education level, ethnicity, race or age. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 2007, the CDC reports that, “no state met the Healthy People 2010 goal of 15% adult obesity”.
The Prevalence of Obesity (BMI>30) Among U.S. Adults, 2007
Data Source:
State-Specific Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults in the United States, 2007. MMWR, 2008;57(28):765-768
Lifestyle choices impact health
Four of the most prominent chronic diseases – cardiovascular diseases (CVD), certain types of cancer (such as cervical, lung and liver), chronic respiratory disease and type 2 diabetes - are also preventable.
Many chronic diseases are related to behavioral risk factors and lifestyle choices. Eating nutritious foods, increasing physical activity, avoiding tobacco and obtaining appropriate vaccinations can help keep you from developing many of these diseases and conditions. And, even if you already have diabetes, heart disease, arthritis or another chronic condition, eating more healthful food and getting more exercise can help you better manage your illness, avoid complications and prolong your life. Actions to prevent and control these major chronic diseases should focus on controlling these and other risk factors in a well-integrated manner.
Effect on Hispanic population
Approximately, half of the U.S. Hispanic/Latino populations reside in the state of Texas. The health status of Hispanics/Latinos emulates the health status trends for the Hispanics and Latinos at the national level. However, in Texas, Hispanics and Latinos have the lowest mortality rates for lung cancer and colorectal cancers, a higher incidence of cervical cancer, and a higher incidence of diabetes, compared with other racial and ethnic groups in the state.
Due to the population growth and with a change in demographics, Texas’s population is 36% Hispanic and is projected to become the majority by year 2020. The demographic of Asian Americans have also changed in the United States as well with an estimate of 15 million Asian Americans estimated in 2007 U.S.Census Bureau. Texas has the third largest U.S. Asian population which makes up for 5% of its population and almost 70% of these are foreign born.
These demographic shifts pose many challenges for the provision of health care for the state of Texas. One of these important challenges is the burden of chronic diseases that different population groups suffer. To address these issues and better control these problems, a concerted effort is needed, from providers, researchers, patients and their families. Members of CDRC have built a collaborative multidisciplinary team of academic researchers, government, pharmaceutical industry and community organizations to focus on priority areas including:
- Eliminating disparities in clinical trials
- Disease prevention and control
- Research and dissemination
- Cultural competency in healthcare and medical education
- Patient navigation
- Environmental health
- Relationship between medical academia with pharmaceutical industry
The Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Research Center is unable to provide medical advice. If you are in need of professional medical advice, we recommend that you consult with your health care provider or call the Baylor Clinic at 713-798-1000 or 800-BAYLOR1.