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Researchers: 7 chronic diseases cost Ohio $56B
> Would you lose weight to lower heath care costs?
Friday, March 21, 2008
COLUMBUS — Here is another argument for losing weight: You'll be doing your bit for the state's economy.
A study released Thursday, March 20, by the Milken Institute said seven chronic diseases cost the Ohio economy $56.8 billion every year in health care costs and lost worker productivity.
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These illnesses cost $1 trillion a year nationwide, according to the study.
The study, backed by a grant from drug makers and the Partnership to Fight Chronic Diseases, said the most important factor is obesity.
If obesity rates declined, America could save $60 billion in treatment costs and see $254 billion in increased productivity, the study said.
The seven chronic diseases — cancer, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, pulmonary conditions and mental illness — cost Ohio $43.4 billion in lost productivity and billions more in health care costs, the study said.
With reasonable improvements to prevention and disease management, Ohio could avoid 1.5 million cases of chronic conditions by 2023 and save $40 billion, including $9 billion in treatment costs, the study said.
"By investing in good health, we can add billions of dollars in economic growth in the coming decades," said Ross DeVol, director of Health Economics and Regional Economics at the Milken Institute and principal author of the report. "The good news is that with moderate improvements in prevention and early intervention such as reducing the rate of obesity, the savings to the economy would be enormous."
Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1624 or lbischoff@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Comments
By Bill
March 23, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Having retired ten years ago healthy with weight under control, I’ve since suffered with congestive heart failure. I’ve put on a few extra pounds, but still try to exercise and walk daily. Unfortunately it hasn’t helped as much as I would have hoped. Working all my life to now be disabled, is still hard to understand. But I continue on inspite of those around me that appear to be in worse shape than me with serious health issues. By the way, I quite smoking, twenty six years ago!
By mike
March 21, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
I did not see any dollar breakdown of the health problems in the article but I was encouraged to see that mental illness made the list. As mentioned obesity is a direct cause of diabetes. I feel the stigma of mental illness is a major source of cost within the state and nation. Those with mental illness (depression, bipolar disorder. etc.) are afraid to seek help or admit they are suffering. This results in low productivity, absence from work and school, etc.
By M. Pavelka
March 21, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
When you are healthy, or at least try to take care of yourself in a sane matter, you feel good mentally and physically. Spring is here so the calander says, so why doesn’t a lot of those who complain about not feeling good all the time, get outside, exercise, walk, push away from the sweets, fast food and try to eat more healthy. I am not a doctor, but yes, it does work. Eat healthy, don’t smoke or drink and at least it is a start. There are support groups, and great groups to help.
By KAF
March 21, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates eliminating three risk factors – poor diet, inactivity, and smoking – would prevent:
80% of heart disease and stroke 80% of type 2 diabetes 40% of cancer
By KAF
March 21, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates eliminating three risk factors – poor diet, inactivity, and smoking – would prevent:
80% of heart disease and stroke 80% of type 2 diabetes 40% of cancer
By painfultruth
March 21, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Mark, we’re talking about the COST in dollars. Did you not read the piece prior to posting? If the government can regulate behaviour, it will, and you’ll get just what you deserve!
By nellie
March 21, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Oh look! Nellie’s back …
By mark
March 21, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
painfultruth - Unlike smoking, being obese doesn’t physically harm the people around them.
By painfultruth
March 21, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
The government should ban fast food and establish legal weight limits for all people. Employers should fire overweight people and they should be denied health care. WHAT? It seems it’s OK to do this with smokers. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Fat people stink; ban them NOW!!!
By dietchick
March 21, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
I was told I have Type II diabetes and I had to lose weight and exercise, so I did. My blood levels are now normal.