02/06/08

Health Care in an Election Year: Prevention Saves Money and Lives Statement from American Dietetic Association President Connie B. Diekman, MEd, RD, LD, FADA

FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 6, 2008

Media contacts:  Jennifer Starkey, Tom Ryan   
800/877-1600, ext. 4802, 4894
media@eatright.org


CHICAGO – When it comes to reducing people’s risk for developing chronic disease, research and clinical experience prove that prevention is the most effective and affordable course of action for individuals and for society as a whole. The American Dietetic Association and our more than 67,000 members are gratified that the vital role of preventive health-care services is part of the nation’s 2008 political conversation.

In the Democratic presidential candidates’ debate on Thursday, January 31, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D.-Ill.) noted that prevention is a “sizable portion” of his health-care plan. Referring to the value of medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian for people who have diabetes or are at risk of developing the disease, he said: “We are actually paying for a dietitian for people to lose weight, as opposed to paying for the $30,000 foot amputation. That will save us money.”

The American Dietetic Association does not endorse candidates for president or any other office. ADA encourages all candidates to commit to a health-care program that will deliver affordable preventive services from qualified providers such as registered dietitians.

Four of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States – coronary heart disease, stroke, some types of cancers and type 2 diabetes – are associated with unhealthful eating patterns. Direct and indirect costs associated with diabetes are nearly $132 billion each year. The total economic cost of obesity in the United States tops $117 billion per year, including more than $60 billion in avoidable medical costs, representing more than 5 percent of total annual health-care expenditures.

According to the American Dietetic Association’s position statement on health promotion and disease prevention: Cost-effective interventions that produce a change in personal health practices are likely to lead to substantial reductions in the incidence and severity of the leading causes of disease in the United States. In an era of increasing health-care expenditures and relative decreases in availability of federal funds, there is increasing demand on health promotion and disease prevention to be economically viable. Through clinical involvement and rigorous participation in research on chronic disease prevention and health promotion, the field of dietetics can lead the way to effectively translate the impact of nutrition on all ages.

ADA supports funding and inclusion of preventive services provided by registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered in clinical and community settings at local, state, and federal levels. Through our political action committee ADAPAC, ADA and our members contribute to the campaigns of candidates for federal office from any political party who support ADA’s mission, vision and priorities.

To commemorate the crucial role of registered dietitians in improving the nutritional health of the American public, the first annual Registered Dietitian Day will be celebrated March 10.

With more than 67,000 members the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

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