Chronic Disease Prevention Across the Lifespan

Over $2 trillion is spent annually in the United States on managing chronic disease, and 95% is for direct medical care. Because 40% of deaths are preventable, the result of unhealthy behavior patterns, more than 5% of the money should be directed to chronic disease prevention. This article focuses on the imbalance of health care resources and the economic issues associated with chronic disease prevention. Because the health of the nation is viewed in the past and present health of our children, a lifespan approach is applied. Population health determinants and policy implications of nonmedical influences of health promotion and disease prevention are explored. Specific nurse practitioner implications are highlighted and opportunities for health promotion are reviewed.