“Our current health care system is not structured to deal with the escalating costs of treating diseases that are largely preventable through changes in our lifestyle choices."
Thompson said heart disease and strokes will cost the country more than$351 billion in 2003.
“These leading causes of death for men and women are largely preventable,yet we as a nation are not taking the steps necessary for US to lead healthier, longer lives,”he said.
The$15 million is slated to go to communities to promote prevention,pushing for changes as simple as building sidewalks to encourage people to walk more.
Daily exercise such as walking can prevent and even reverse heart disease and diabetes,and prevent cancer and strokes.
The money will also go to community organizations,clinics and nutritionists who are being encouraged to work together to educate people at risk of diabetes about what they can do to prevent it and encourage more cancer screening.
The American Cancer Society estimates that half of all cancers can be caught by screening,including Pap tests for cervical cancer, mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies, and prostate checks.