This is National Public Health Week, a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation.  This year’s theme is, “Public Health: Start Here” and each day has a specific focus.  Prevention is now a nationwide priority, and as the public health system evolves, there are more options than ever when it comes to preventive health measures.  Public health and clinical health professionals must work collaboratively to help individuals identify and pursue the best preventative health options.  Today, seven in 10 deaths in the U.S. are related to preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer.  Another striking fact is that 75 percent of our health care dollars are spent treating such diseases.  However, only 3 percent of our health care dollars go toward prevention.  Average medical expenses are more than twice as high for a person with diabetes as they are for a person without diabetes.  In 2007, the estimated cost of diabetes in the United States was $174 billion.  That amount included $116 billion in direct medical care costs and $58 billion in indirect costs from disability, productivity loss and premature death.

Also, more than half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices such as not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right, keeping active and getting recommended screening tests.  The average age of daily smoking initiation for new smokers in 2008 was 20.1 years among those ages 12 to 49.  People who begin smoking at an early age are more likely to develop a severe addiction to nicotine than those who start at a later age.  Inquire about volunteer opportunities at community health centers on how to quit.  Learn about cancer screening guidelines and make sure you, your family, and community are aware of them. Schedule your screenings in advance and visit the American Cancer Society’s website for more information.