Every year, almost 1 million people die from cardiovascular disease and stroke. That's nearly 42 percent of all deaths. Stroke is the leading cause of serious disability in the United States. Heart disease is one of the costliest diseases to treat.
Many studies show that up to one-third of our children are obese.
Only one out of 10 Americans participates in 30 minutes or more of physical activity every day. 4 million children have above-normal blood pressure. 27 million children have high cholesterol. About 9 million children are exposed to secondhand smoke every day by a family member who smokes. Smoking has increased among young Americans.