Disease Prevention Called a Better Bet

Wellness Programs Yield Greater Returns, Report Finds By Megan Greenwell Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, July 18, 2008; Page B03 An ounce of prevention in community health programs could save states hundreds of millions in health-care costs, a new study has found. The report from the Trust for America's Health, a nonprofit health advocacy group, found that programs encouraging physical activity, healthy eating and no smoking were a better investment than those concentrating primarily on treatment. The results are laid out in a state-by-state breakdown. Related Materials from the Trust for America's Health: Complete Report (1.56MB pdf) Executive Summary Press Release: New Report: Investment in Disease Prevention Could Save America More than $16 Billion in Five Years (Includes National and State-Specific Findings) July 17 Press Club Event Presentation by Jeff Levi and Barbara Ormond (2.06MB pdf)