More funding to cut the fat
place in the western world to tackle the increasing problem of
obesity and diabetes. This week George W. Bush, US president,
announced that the fiscal year 2004 budget plan will include an
increase of $25m (€23m) - to $125 million - for a new project to
prevent diabetes, obesity and asthma.
As each day passes it would seem that new initiatives are taking place in the western world to tackle the increasing problem of obesity and diabetes. This week George W. Bush, US president, announced that the fiscal year 2004 budget plan will include an increase of $25m (€23m) - to $125 million - for a new project to prevent diabetes, obesity and asthma.
According to the US government, healthier lifestyles for the American folks are to be encouraged through community initiatives.
US Department of health and human services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson commented:"To truly stem the epidemic of preventable diseases that threaten too many Americans, we need to move from a health care system that treats disease to one that avoids disease through wiser personal choices."
"This new initiative will support community programmes aimed at getting results and helping those at risk to avoid these diseases through proven prevention methods."
Under the 'Steps to a Healthier US' initiative, the HHS aims to fund specific projects at the state and community level and to attain target goals for disease reduction.
The incidence of diabetes and obesity among Americans has increased sharply in the past decade, putting millions more Americans at higher risk for heart disease, stroke and other related medical conditions. Diabetes alone costs the US nearly $100 billion each year in direct medical costs as well as indirect economic costs, including disability, missed work and premature death.
"Not only do these preventable diseases take a terrible toll on the lives of individual Americans, but they also contribute to skyrocketing health care costs affecting our nation as a whole," said Thompson. "We must do more to encourage individual Americans to take personal responsibility for their health choices and to create a sense of social responsibility to ensure that policymakers support the kinds of programmes that foster healthy activity and prevention," he added.
A part of the 'Steps to a Healthier US' initiative, the government is aiming to prevent diabetes for at least 75,000 Americans and obesity for at least 100,000 individuals.
