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Health Groups Form Alliance for Unified Message

Bruce Goldfarb

In a historical development, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has joined forces with the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) to help the public reduce the leading causes of death.

After a year of discussion, the three leading nonprofit health groups formed an alliance to issue a single set of recommendations aimed at lowering the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Combined, the four diseases are responsible for two out of three deaths in the United States.

This is the first time the three groups have come together to provide unified health recommendations for the public and joint screening advice for physicians. The campaign has been dubbed "Everyday Choices for a Healthier Life" to make the public aware that there are decisions they can make to help protect themselves from diseases.

Speaking with one voice, the groups are recommending that Americans consume a healthy diet and maintain a healthy body weight, be physically active, stay away from tobacco smoke, and see a physician to assess their personal health risks. The set of recommendations is summarized in a chart for the convenience of health care professionals.

The 3-year public education campaign kicks off with a series of public service announcements supported by the Advertising Council. A free educational booklet has been developed that is available by calling toll-free 866-399-6789.

The multimedia campaign is targeted mainly to women ages 30 to 50, and urges Americans to "protect yourself from yourself" by making healthier everyday choices.

A new Web site for the effort— www.everydaychoices.org—provides more information on healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, smoking cessation, and recommended medical tests.

Technical papers detailing the recommendations, and the scientific rationale behind them, were simultaneously published in the July 2004 Diabetes Care, the June 15, 2004, rapid access issue of Circulation, and the July/August 2004 issue of the American Cancer Society's CA.

Forming an alliance with AHA and ACS will send a more powerful message to the public, said Eugene Barrett, MD, immediate Past President of the ADA. Each organization has "very good credibility with the public, which will only be enhanced," he said. "The weight of the three organizations is more than synergistic."

General Prevention Guidelines for All Average-Risk Adults Provide advice to patients on nutrition and physical activity: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise for at least 30 minutes on 5 or more days a week. Eat at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily. Ask patients about tobacco use and provide cessation counseling and pharmacotherapy.

 

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