Human/behavioral diseases are diseases associated with human behaviors and lifestyle. These diseases also referred to as chronic diseases are caused by human behavior such as smoking, drinking alcohol, poor diet and lack of exercise. Common preventable diseases in the US are cancer, hypertension, heart diseases, diabetes, obesity, and pulmonary diseases (Frieden, 2010). The economic impact of these diseases cannot be underestimated. Chronic diseases cause significant economic pressure in the United States due to increased health care costs and loss in productivity due to some individuals not working due to their conditions. For instances, direct medical expenditures credited to smoking overall is approximated to be more than $75 billion yearly and low efficiency and throughput is estimated to cost $80 billion per year.
Disease management programs are put in place to lower the adverse implications of preventable diseases to the economy and human health as human capital is a vital factor of production. Effective tobacco-use prevention program has been directed to reducing the number children and youth who become smokers.
This program has also targeted pregnant women to help reduce smoking related pregnancy and birth complications and other related healthcare costs (DeVol, et al, 2007). Other examples of disease management programs include; healthy eating habits and physical activities and fitness. This are programs that assist sick people to manage their conditions.
A disease management programs such as physical activities and fitness and healthy eating habits will include guidelines for people with obesity. Counselling clinics will help close monitoring of the patient condition by the health care providers. By utilizing these approaches to patient education and behavioral change, will result to reduced weight and heart related diseases. This improves the overall quality of health of the individuals.
References:
DeVol, R., Bedroussian, A., Charuworn, A., Chatterjee, A., Kim, I., & Kim, S. (2007). An unhealthy America: The economic burden of chronic disease. Santa Monica, CA: Milken Institute.
Frieden, T. R. (2010). A framework for public health action: the health impact pyramid. Journal Information, 100(4).rieden, T. R. (2010). A framework for public health action: the health impact pyramid. Journal Information, 100(4).
