Role of Health Education Professionals in Completing the Puzzle

The prevalence of asthma and diabetes are predicted to grow dramatically by 2050.   By 2025, the number of individuals living with diabetes is expected to increase by 64% and the related costs are expected to increase to more than 514 billion dollars (72% increase based on 2010 expenditures). Asthma prevalence continues to increase across the United States of America, affecting more than 43.1 million people and projected to affect over 50 million people by 2025.  Credentialed health educators who are also certified as diabetes educators and asthma educators will be in even more demand to promote, educate and support people in managing these conditions and optimizing health outcomes.  This session will review opportunities for credentialed health educators to work in a variety of settings that promote healthier lifestyles to prevent and manage chronic disease such as diabetes and asthma.  Opportunities for credentialed health educators to become certified in chronic disease management programs such as diabetes and asthma will also be described.  Opportunities for third party reimbursement for these education services will also be discussed.