This week the Public Health Council, Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), and others, announced the release of the new National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy. This plan aims to help increase the number of Americans who are healthy at every stage of life. The National Prevention Strategy recognizes that good health comes not just from receiving quality medical care, but also from clean air and water, safe worksites and healthy foods.

The National Prevention Strategy includes actions that public and private partners can take to help Americans stay healthy and fit. The strategy outlines 4 strategic directions that, together, are fundamental to improving the nation’s health. Those 4 strategic directions are:

• Building Healthy and Safe Community Environments: Prevention of disease starts in our communities and at home; not just in the doctor’s office. 
• Expanding Quality Preventive Services in Both Clinical and Community Settings: When people receive preventive care, such as immunizations and cancer screenings, they have better health and lower health care costs. 
• Empowering People to Make Healthy Choices: When people have access to actionable and easy-to-understand information and resources, they are empowered to make healthier choices.
• Eliminating Health Disparities: By eliminating disparities in achieving and maintaining health, we can help improve quality of life for all Americans.

It is about time that we have have a national plan to empower families, especially those with type 2 diabetes, to take action and make healthy lifestyle changes.