For most people, July 10 is just another Summer day. But for millions of Americans living with chronic diseases, Chronic Disease Awareness Day symbolizes an opportunity to recognize the importance of disease awareness and support for those living with chronic conditions.
And with Governor Kate Brown officially proclaiming July 10, 2017 to be Chronic Disease Awareness Day, now is the time for Oregonians to take a moment and reflect on how chronic diseases affect our communities and our loved ones.
It is estimated that, every year, 70 percent of deaths in the U.S. are directly related to chronic disease issues. The stunning impact of chronic disease is why patients, organizations and communities come together every year on July 10 to commemorate Chronic Disease Awareness Day.
The chronic disease community is wide and diverse. Americans living with chronic diseases often face significant challenges, including barriers to healthcare access, discrimination and isolation. As patients, community members and organizations come together to commemorate the second annual Chronic Disease Awareness Day, we too need to recognize the growing significance that chronic disease has in our country.
Chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis and multiple sclerosis never go away. They are forever. Disease management is a daily fact of life, and often a daily struggle, for thousands of Oregonians and millions of Americans.
An estimated 133 million Americans have at least one chronic disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further estimates that approximately one in four adults has two or more chronic health conditions. And the number of those affected is only growing.
As more Americans are diagnosed with chronic diseases, the costs of treating and managing these conditions are rising exponentially. An estimated 86 percent of all U.S. healthcare spending goes toward people managing one or more chronic health condition. And the costs are staggering. Heart disease and stroke cost an estimated $315.4 billion per year; while diabetes costs $245 billion, cancer costs $157 billion and arthritis costs $128 billion.
Although few chronic diseases are preventable, we must still increase disease awareness, promote early detection methods, improve access to appropriate medical treatment and encourage healthy lifestyles. We also must protect patients’ rights while also acknowledging that discrimination against chronic disease patients, often by insurers, is on the rise.
Governor Brown’s proclamation highlights the importance of chronic disease awareness, increased community engagement and ongoing advocacy to better the lives for all Oregonians living with chronic conditions. Chronic Disease Awareness Day gives all of us the opportunity, for a moment, to remember that every day is a chronic disease day for so many of our family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.
Scott Bruun, a former state legislator, is the executive director of the Chronic Disease Coalition and a member of the American Diabetes Association’s national advocacy committee.
