Disease prevention/health promotion

Most of the health care burden in the United States stems from chronic illness, more than half of which may be related to lifestyle and behavioral factors. An estimated 47 percent of premature deaths in the United States could be prevented by modifying lifestyle behaviors (including tobacco use, diet, physical activity, use of helmets and seatbelts, sexual behavior, and alcohol and drug abuse) 1; 20 percent could be prevented by reducing environmental risks [67]. The development of effective behavior change strategies and health promotion programs directed toward women is critical to improving the quality and length of life.