Chronic disease is a difficult challenge for afflicted individuals, and because of its pervasiveness it has also become a significant problem for the nation, causing 70% of U.S. deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Chronic health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer and kidney disease account for more than 75% of the nation's $2.7 trillion in annual spending for medical care, says Ursula Bauer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.