Tobacco Use and Obesity Prevention

Tobacco use and obesity are the number one and two causes of early death and disability and are associated with most chronic diseases.  Eastern Shore Healthy Communities initially convened to focus its work around these two conditions on a population level because prevention and reduction of these lifestyle-related conditions provide the greatest benefit to our community.

“Chronic diseases are responsible for seven of 10 deaths among Americans each year and treatment for people with chronic conditions accounting for roughly 75 percent of the $2.5 trillion spent on annual U.S. medical care costs.  In addition to the direct costs, indirect costs of chronic conditions, including productivity losses, compound the problem.  The best way to avoid these costs is through prevention beyond the doctor’s office – changing the behaviors that result in these chronic conditions.”  (Source: Trust for America’s Health: A Healthier America 2013: Strategies to move from sick care to health care in the next four years.)