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Home  >  Public Health Issues  >  Chronic Diseases

The Council of State Governments Logo

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.

Care for chronic diseases accounts for more than 78 percent of all health care spending and for nearly 80 percent of Medicaid expenditures. This is why Medicaid, which on average makes up 20 percent of state budgets, has been a key driver of  the recent fiscal crises in many states.
 
While chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also preventable. Three modifiable health-damaging behaviors--tobacco use, lack of physical activity and poor eating habits--are responsible for much of the inordinate suffering and death of millions of Americans.

Through implemention of prevention strategies, education and disease management programs aimed at minimizing or eliminating these behaviors, many states are working to drive down long-term costs, improve health and save lives.

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Publications

These publications provide state legislators with concise, up-to-date information on public health topics such as obesity and chronic disease prevention. View Healthy States publications on Reducing Health Risks and Preventing & Managing Diseases. 

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Resources

CDC Chronic Disease Prevention                                     CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion is at the forefront of the nation's efforts to prevent and control chronic diseases. The site also includes exemplary state programs and state profiles that identify how states can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

CDC's Guide to Community Preventive Services                     This site provides evidence-based resources for 16 different topic areas including diabetes, obesity and tobacco. 

Promising Practices                                                                Learn about promising practices and programs where you live.

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