Chronic diseases
More than 75% of U.S. healthcare dollars go to treatment of chronic diseases instead of prevention, even though prevention would yield a significant reduction in healthcare costs.
Chronic diseases are illnesses that cannot be cured but can be managed with medications. Chronic diseases persist for a long time and they include cancer, epilepsy, asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Chronic diseases can be prevented or managed effectively. Bad health behaviors such as inadequate physical activity, poor eating habits, and smoking are major factors that can lead to chronic diseases.