Building a Culture of Health in America: Why Health is Everything

For too long in America health has been defined as simply not being sick. But health is so much more than that. Health is everything. It is influenced by a complex web of social factors: Where we live, how we work, the soundness and safety of our surroundings, and the strength and resilience of our families and our communities.

The U.S. spends far more on health care than other developed nations, yet Americans live sicker, shorter lives than their counterparts. Over the past three decades, obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other preventable chronic illnesses continue to account for most deaths. And across the nation, business loses about $226 billion in earnings each year due to sick, injured, and absent workers.

So what can we do differently to build a society in which well-being is a priority? And what will it take to provide everyone in America with the opportunity to live as healthy as possible without leaving some behind? This talk will look at how we can join forces across sectors to build a comprehensive Culture of Health, enabling all in our diverse society to lead healthier lives, now and for generations
to come.