PROBLEM
STATEMENT: Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases
and stroke, cancers, respiratory diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and many
others now make up a large percentage of illnesses and diseases
in the United States. It is estimated that over 50% of all illness
and 70% of all deaths result from chronic, long-term diseases. Unhealthy
lifestyles such as a lack of physical activity, poor eating habits,
poor stress management, and the use of tobacco, alcohol and other
drugs account for well over 50% of chronic disease and have led
to an “obesity epidemic” with an estimated 60% of all Americans
being overweight or obese. Encouraging healthy behaviors and early
detection (screening) services for chronic diseases are cost-effective
strategies to prevent chronic diseases.
GOAL: Reducing chronic disease through encouraging and
supporting healthy behaviors and early detection services in Wilmington
via individual, social, organizational, environmental and community
health initiatives.
Reduce by at least 10%
the proportion of Wilmington youth, adolescents and adults
who are overweight and obese.
Increase by at least
10% the proportion of Wilmington youth, adolescents, and adults
who engage in regular, moderate, and sustained physical activity.
Increase by at least
25% the proportion of Wilmington residents and workers who
eat five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables.
Increase access, affordability,
and utilization of Wilmington early detection services for
major chronic diseases.
HOW CAN WE GET THERE:
Business Increase employee awareness of chronic disease prevention
measures, health promotion activities and early detection
opportunities via company newsletters, payroll stuffers, website
messages, and employer and employee training and seminars
resulting in corporate health assessments and worksite wellness
programs.
Community Train neighborhood planning councils, community youth,
adult and senior agency staff and volunteers, and faith-based
organizations to serve as health promoters and advocates for
chronic disease prevention and early detection services.
Health Care Work with health care system administrators and staff
to provide education and training of medical residents, nurses
and other appropriate health care personnel on cultural competency
to better address health disparities, and the importance of
health promotion and incorporating health education within
regular clinical practice.
Education Work with the State Department of Education, parent organizations,
and school districts serving children to develop, disseminate
and publish health report cards for schools in the Wilmington
area.
Government Provide health education and training to city employees
and city council members in health promotion and early detection,
and expand resources and support for chronic disease prevention
and early detection initiatives throughout the city.
cancers, 
respiratory diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and many
others now make up a large percentage of illnesses and diseases
in the United States. It is estimated that over 50% of all illness
and 70% of all deaths result from chronic, long-term diseases. Unhealthy
lifestyles such as a lack of physical activity, poor eating habits,
poor stress management, and the use of tobacco, alcohol and other
drugs account for well over 50% of chronic disease and have led
to an “obesity epidemic” with an estimated 60% of all Americans
being overweight or obese. Encouraging healthy behaviors and early
detection (screening) services for chronic diseases are cost-effective
strategies to prevent chronic diseases.