I came across this Infographic online, and thought that it was a great reminder of the costs (monetarily and beyond) of chronic diseases such as Asthma, Heart Disease, and Diabetes. Although, as discussed in the infographic, our extended life expectancy has part to do with our growing risk of developing a chronic disease I personally feel a lot of it has to do with lifestyle choices. Many of these diseases are preventable, or at least more treatable with the assistance of yearly physicals, preventative health services, and public health initiatives to improve our living environments.

What do you think?

Source: Sick! Epidemic of Chronic Diseases