1.5 minute read
President Trump recently signed an executive order and established the Make America Healthy Again Commission, led by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to tackle chronic diseases and improve public health.
The executive order reveals key health statistics:
- Americans' pre-COVID-19 life expectancy was 78.8 years, compared to 82.6 years in other countries
- Six in ten adults have a chronic disease, and four in ten have multiple conditions
- One in five adults faces mental illness
- 30 million children have chronic conditions like asthma
- Autism affects one in 36 children
Despite the U.S. spending nearly 90% of its $4.5 trillion annual healthcare budget on chronic and mental health conditions, the White House is now focusing on significantly reducing chronic disease rates and eliminating childhood chronic diseases.
The commission aims to:
- Enhance transparency and open-source data in federally funded health studies
- Investigate causes of illness
- Collaborate with farmers for affordable, healthy food
- Expand flexible health coverage for lifestyle improvements and disease prevention
What’s Next?
The commission will investigate the causes of childhood chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity, review contributing factors such as diet and lifestyle, and deliver a report with health improvement recommendations within 100 days.
Currently, the commission reflects the Trump administration's goals and is unlikely to immediately affect public health policy. However, its directives may eventually lead to changes.
Employers should stay informed for updates. Download the bulletin for more details.
