Chronic diseases account for seven of every 10 U.S. deaths and for more than 60 percent of medical care expenditures. In addition, the prolonged illness and disability associated with many chronic diseases decrease quality of life for millions of Americans.Much of the chronic disease burden is preventable. Physical inactivity and unhealthy eating contribute to obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which together are responsible for at least 300,000 deaths each year. Only tobacco use causes more preventable deaths in the United States. People who avoid the behaviors that increase their risk for chronic diseases can expect to live healthier and longer lives.Click Here to view the entire press release.

One of the hugely successful events during the 2004 Strive Not To Drive campaign was the Strive to Ride Bike Demo at the French Broad River Park Saturday, May 22, 2004.  Click here to read an article about the event from the Asheville Citizen Times. * Check out some picks from the Strive Not To Drive Campaign 2004 in our Photo Gallery!

Before adjourning for the 2003 session, the U.S. Senate approved by voice vote the "Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act," or "IMPACT Act," which recognizes significant problems associated with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer and works to reduce those problems by encouraging better nutrition and more physical activity, including programs in schools. The House of Representatives is expected to pass similar legislation in the new session that begins January 20. The full text of the Senate-passed bill, is available on website and search under "Nutrition"  in Senate bills.

From The Center for Health & Health Care in Schools

Adolescent overweight is continuing to increase, particularly among Mexican-American and non-Hispanic black adolescents, according to a study to be published in the October 9th issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. An analysis of data for the years 1999-2000 showed 15.5 percent of 12- to 19-year-olds are overweight (defined as at or above the 95th percentile of the sex-specific body mass index (BMI) for age growth charts), an increase of 5 percent since 1994 for the youth population overall and an increase of more than 10 percentage points for Mexican-American and non-black Hispanic adolescents.Adolescents are not alone: the study found over 10 percent of preschoolers between 2 and 5 years old are also overweight, as are slightly more than 15 percent of 6- through 11-year-olds. And the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adult population is up by approximately 10 percent since 1994. The study, "Prevalence and Trends in Overweight Among U.S. Children and Adolescents, 1999-2000," appears in the October 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.October 9, JAMA Study "Prevalence & Trends in Overweight Among US Children & Adolescents, 1999-2000