Chronic diseases are those that not curable, but continue during a person's lifetime. These include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and asthma to name a few. These diseases not only diminish the quality of life, they also place a large economic drain on our community and medical care system. Chronic disease accounts for 70% of all deaths and 75% of medical care costs.

Americans spend 2trillion dollars on healthcare each year,more than any other country in the world, yet we still have one of the worst health profiles compared to other developed countries. Coos County's share of the cost of chronic disease is about $294 million dollars ($61 million on medical treatment and $233 million due to lost productivity).In the US, and in Oregon, heart disease is the leading cause of death. However, in Coos County, cancer has surpassed heart disease as the number one killer. This is largely due to tobacco use, which gives Coos County the highest prevalence of lung cancer and rate of lung cancer deaths in Oregon. The second and third leading cause of death in Coos County are heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, which can also be linked to tobacco use, poor nutrition and inadequate levels of physical activity. Forty to fifty percent of chronic disease is preventable.

If in Coos County we can decrease our tobacco use, eat more fruits and vegetables, and include physical activity as part of our weekly routines, we will be taking steps in the right direction to decrease the prevalence of chronic disease. We need to create an environment that supports making these healthy choices. To do this, we need to support tobacco free areas and facilities, promote access to fresh produce, and increase physical activity opportunities. Our goal should be to create an environment where the healthy choice is the easier choice. Reversing the considerable and growing burden of chronic disease is going to require a community effort that gives attention to the political, social, environmental, economic, and educational aspects of the problem. What can you do to prevent chronic disease in our community? Take a walk--every day.

Don't smoke, and support bans on smoking in public places. Plant a garden and support your local farmers' market. Make healthy activities the norm in our community.

Michelle Wyatt, BS
Chronic Disease
Prevention Coordinator
Coos County Public Health
Member of the Coos County
Women's Health Coalition