Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion

Chronic diseases—such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes—are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Almost 70% of all deaths in the U.S. are caused by chronic diseases. 

The good news is that chronic diseases are also very preventable.  Adopting healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, being physically active, and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or control the devastating effects of these diseases.

CDPH’s Office of Health Promotion strives to help Clevelanders move toward a state of optimal health through lifestyle changes.  The Office of Health Promotion employs a combination of efforts to enhance awareness, change behavior and create environments that support good health practices. 

The department has several chronic disease prevention programs, including:

• Steps to a Healthier Cleveland
  • Diabetes 
  • Asthma 
  • Obesity 
• Cardiovascular health program
• Tobacco control program
  

Health profile of Clevelanders:

• 33% of Clevelanders are obese
  • 24% of Americans are obese
• 11% of Clevelanders have diabetes
  •  7% of Americans have diabetes
• 12% of Clevelanders have asthma
  • 8% of Americans have asthma
• 28% of Cleveland residents do not engage in any physical activity or exercise
  • 24% of Americans don’t engage in any physical activity or exercise
• 32% of Clevelanders smoke
  • 21% of Americans smoke
• 78% of Clevelanders eat less than five fruits and vegetables a day
  • 77% of Americans eat less than five fruits and vegetables a day

Source: Self-report data from BRFSS 2005, conducted on behalf of Steps to a Healthier Cleveland by the CASE Center for Health Promotion Research