Preventive Health Activites

Are crucial to a strong health care delivery system that is rational, integrated and community-focused, beginning with effective health promotion and disease prevention strategies for the community and integrated with a continuum of individual care that provides easy access to medical services across the life span. The prevention of chronic diseases – the leading causes of death both nationally and in New York State – is key to avoiding more expensive medical care. According to the CDC, seven of 10 individuals die of a chronic disease. Prevention and early detection of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases becomes more critical as the burden of chronic diseases continues to grow and extend into even younger age groups.

As guardians of the public health, NYSACHO and its members recognize the benefits of the investments that Governor Paterson's budget proposal would provide for preventive health activities, particularly his proposal for a comprehensive program to fight the dramatic rise in obesity which is a critical underlying risk factor for many of the leading causes of death and illness in our state. These programs will address important long-term public health goals, preventing illnesses that are costly in both financial and human terms. 

Links to several resources related to Governor Paterson's obesity prevention initiatives:

• Fact sheets from Governor Paterson's 2009 State of the State Address.
• Governor Paterson, working with First Lady Michelle Paterson, unveils a five-point plan to fight obesity.
  
• Healthy Steps to Albany: First Lady's Challenge
• New York State Department of Health Obesity Prevention webpages and materials.
  
• Report: Preventing and Reducing Childhood Obesity in New York (October 2008) - NYS Office of the State Comptroller's website
  
• Local Government Audit: School Districts' Compliance with Physical Education Regulations (December 2008) - NYS Office of the State Comptroller's website