CLEVELAND, Nov. 14, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Center for Health Affairs' November 2016 Issue Brief Getting to Healthy: Food Insecurity, Nutrition and the Battle Against Chronic Disease, examines the issue of access to nutritious food with a particular focus on food insecurity, its known health impacts, laws that encourage the prevention of food insecurity, as well as promising practices.
Despite the hope that has come with decades of medical advancement in our nation, the United States continues to be burdened by the intractable problem of chronic disease. In the most recent data available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly half of all Americans had one or more chronic diseases and one-third of all people were obese. Those with one or more chronic condition account for 86 percent of all healthcare spending and obesity alone accounts for $147 billion in medical spending.
And while the data may be discouraging, the good news is that for many people, the onset of chronic diseases can be prevented. Yet to prevent chronic diseases people need to have access to environments that promote access to healthy foods as well as opportunities for safe and accessible exercise. In reality, far too many people live, work and play in environments that are not supportive of a healthy lifestyle.
More from The Center's Media Center
- Check out The Center's healthcare podcast in November to listen to this publication and other Policy Snapshots and Issue Briefs.
- To browse related information and resources cited in this publication, visit The Center's Health and Hunger Pinterest board.
- A full list of The Center's publications can be found at neohospitals.org along with a wide range of resources covering a variety of health policy issues.
With a rich history as the Northeast Ohio hospital association, dating back to 1916, The Center for Health Affairs serves as the collective voice of hospitals and the source for Northeast Ohio hospital and healthcare information. As the leading advocate for Northeast Ohio hospitals, The Center aims to enhance the effectiveness of the healthcare community and the health of the communities it serves by providing expertise, resources and solutions to address the challenges faced by the region's healthcare providers. The Center's efforts focus on areas that benefit member hospitals from a regional approach, including healthcare workforce; emergency preparedness; public policy and advocacy; finance and reimbursement; and community initiatives. And because of its business affiliation with CHAMPS Healthcare, The Center has the resources to provide a broad level of professional services to its members. The Center, located in downtown Cleveland, is proud to advocate on behalf of 34 acute-care hospitals and two long-term acute-care hospitals in six counties. The Center for Health Affairs is honored to be named as one of The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Top Workplaces in 2014 and 2015, as well as to ERC's NorthCoast99 List in 2003, 2004, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016. For more, visit neohospitals.org. 2016 marks 100 years of hospital advocacy and partnerships for The Center for Health Affairs and CHAMPS Healthcare. The centennial anniversary includes a community gift, commemorative timeline and celebratory event. To learn more visit neohospitals100.com.