Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, are responsible for seven out of every 10 deaths among Americans each year, and many of the risk factors that contribute to the development of these diseases are preventable. Healthy People 2020, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), aims to improve the health of all Americans by providing science-based, 10-year national objectives.
The Healthy People Mission
Every 10 years for the past three decades, the Healthy People project has established benchmarks for health promotion and disease prevention, and monitored progress over time. The mission of Healthy People 2020 is to:
• Attain high-quality, longer lives free of preventable disease, disability, injury and premature death.
• Achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups.
• Create social and physical environments that promote good health for all.
• Promote quality of life, healthy development and healthy behaviors across all life stages.
A Focus on Cardiovascular Disease
One of the Healthy People 2020 objectives is to reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease by improving cardiovascular health and quality of life through prevention, detection, and treatment of risk factors for heart attack and stroke; early identification and treatment of heart attacks and strokes; and prevention of repeat cardiovascular events.
According to HHS, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and stroke the third leading cause. Together, heart disease and stroke are among the most widespread and costly health problems facing the nation today, accounting for more than $500 billion in health care expenditures and related expenses in 2010 alone. Fortunately, they are also among the most preventable.
What Can You Do to Prevent Heart Attack and Stroke?
To help prevent heart attack and stroke, here are some guidelines for managing the following risk factors:
• High blood pressure — Monitor it and control it!
• High cholesterol — Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables; keep saturated fat to a minimum
• Cigarette smoking — Stop if you smoke; don’t start if you don’t
• Diabetes — Keep blood sugar or hemoglobin A1C levels within normal limits
• Poor diet and physical inactivity — Eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet, and exercise!
• Overweight and obesity — Maintain normal body weight through portion control
Online Resources
Initiating and maintaining any health behavior change can be complex. However, information and support abound. Here are some great websites to assist in reducing risk factors:
• ChooseMyPlate.gov — Resources for healthy eating and weight management
• The Community Guide — Provides recommendations on evidence-based interventions for obesity reduction
• American Heart Association — Resources for building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke
• Friedman Diabetes Institute — Helps people with diabetes manage their disease and avoid serious problems
Building Healthier Communities
In addition to managing risk factors on an individual level, we can extend our health goals to the community through such actions as starting a neighborhood walking club or forming a coalition for health promotion. Visit HealthyPeople.gov to learn how you can use Healthy People 2020 to improve the health of your community. By taking better care of ourselves and our communities, we can ultimately help fulfill our nation’s health objectives and extend our own lives.
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