A broad-based approach to improving the health of all Americans is critical to reducing risk factors for heart disease and stroke. We are pleased that the Healthy People 2020 focuses on improving cardiovascular health and quality of life through prevention, detection, and treatment of risk factors for heart attack and stroke, early identification and treatment of heart attacks and strokes, and prevention of repeat cardiovascular events. This plan closely aligns with the American Heart Association’s goal to improve the overall cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent over the next decade.

We are also pleased with the focus on environmental, policy and societal changes to make it easier for individuals to increase their level of physical activity and incorporate healthy meals into their diets. With the support of industry, government and science, we can transform the way Americans eat, live and play and curb the prevalence of disease. The obesity epidemic has taken a toll on the health and vitality of communities across the country due to sedentary behaviors and lack of access to healthy foods, areas that promote physical activity and weight management services. The enormity of the problem requires aggressive policies that will encourage companies to create worksite wellness programs and allow communities to build more walking paths and bike lanes, partner with recreational facilities and improve the nutritional quality of meals in schools and local markets. The plan’s goal to reduce the number of obese adults in the U.S. to 31 percent by 2020 will help stem the rate of diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses afflicting all age groups. We support initiatives that will educate more Americans about recommended levels for sodium consumption, added sugars, saturated fat and other ingredients that are found in many processed foods and restaurant meals. And as more smoke-free policies are enacted, more Americans are quitting or rejecting appeals from tobacco companies to put their lives at risk. However, more work lies ahead to boost funding for smoking cessation and prevention programs to significantly reduce smoking rates.

Overall, the Healthy People 2020 blueprint will embolden public health groups as we continue to improve the health of citizens through a multi-layered and achievable game plan.

For more information, visit http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020