Online Program

Oral

Obesity and chronic disease among children and adults are at epidemic levels. These diseases are major contributors to our escalating health care costs, which in turn are the main drivers of the national debt. At home, individuals and families struggle with the consequences and costs of obesity and disease on a daily basis. But for our nation as a whole, the impacts of America’s obesity epidemic jeopardize our global competitiveness and national security, directly undermining our ability to cut the federal debt, prepare and sustain a highly productive workforce, maintain our military strength, and compete effectively in the global economy. In the face of this health and financial crisis, a wide array of leaders in government and the private sector – from governors, mayors, Congress and the Administration, to nonprofit advocates, philanthropies and CEOs across diverse industries -- are investing in innovative strategies to improve nutrition and increase physical activity in communities across the country. The ultimate goal of these interventions is to improve health outcomes and cut costs; in so doing, these strategies are an integral and important part of the national goal of shifting toward disease prevention and better health. In a time of tight budgets, we must leverage resources across sectors and invest in community interventions with the most promise for a strong return in both improved health outcomes and reduced health care costs.

Session Objectives: a) Identify innovative strategies to promote nutrition and physical activity and reduce costs at the state, university and institution levels b) Demonstrate the process of policy change at the state, university, and institution level and how these policies can improve health outcomes c) Describe key success factors and barriers to implementing cross-sector partnerships

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)