Health Report: The Burden of Chronic Disease in Jackson
"The burden of disease in Jackson is enormous and the impact on those we love is tremendous. But, with prevention there’s hope. We can live longer. We can live healthier. We must start now!"
-Warren Jones, MD, FAAFP, Jackson, MS
Chronic diseases, such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and depression, impose a great burden on the Jackson community. They are Jackson's #1 health threat, and are responsible for more death and disability in the community than any other factor.
Yet chronic diseases are largely preventable through simple changes in behavior. Understanding the contributing factors can help you make healthier choices in your own life.
HealthyJackson commissioned a study on the effects of chronic disease in Jackson in May 2006. The study, The Burden of Chronic Disease in Jackson, quantifies the chronic disease crisis and describes how unhealthy behaviors are contributing to the crisis.Did You Know?
- Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children and is responsible for up to 14 million missed school days a year.
- According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, every 2 hours you spend watching television instead of participating in something active increases the chance you’ll develop diabetes by 14%.
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Chronic Health Problems Among Jackson Area Children & Youth
Read the report to learn more.