Oral

Despite an overall decline in mortality rates, chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, remain among the most prevalent, costly, and preventable of all health problems. According to the CDC, seven of ten Americans who die each year die of a chronic disease at an annual estimated cost of $1.7 million each year. Ironically, chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also among the most preventable. Panel Outline: Stephen Martin, PhD - Director, Cook County Department of Public – The Problem (Epidemiology/Health Disparities) · define chronic disease, · discuss the relevant data · demonstrate the disparities that exist · initiate a discussion of the determinants of health Eric Whitaker, MD, MPH, Director, Illinois Department of Public Health – The Public Health Response (Chronic Disease Programs/Manpower Issues) · highlight efforts at chronic disease prevention · describe the role of health promotion · provide examples of programs/projects that represent best practices · discuss the need for more public health manpower to adequately address the problem Terry Mason, MD, FACS - Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health – The Close (Paradigm Shift/Policy Implications) · build on the earlier discussion of the determinants of health · elaborate on the need for a shift in paradigm · discuss the need for a systematic, cohesive, coordinated approach · end with a discussion of policy implications and personal responsibility Data clearly shows that minorities are disproportionately impacted by chronic diseases and that there are significant differences in both morbidity and mortality between majority and minority populations. This session will look at the relationship and impact that preventing chronic disease could have on the elimination or lessening racial and ethnic disparities in health.

Session Objectives: Define chronic disease. Understand the epidemiologic basis for determining racial/ethnic health disparities. Understand the role of health promotion in preventing chronic diseases. Identify best practices relative to the prevention of chronic diseases. Understand the use and need for systematic, evidenced-based approaches to prevent chronic diseases.