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Today marks a good time to take a quick look, from a health perspective, at where we are nationally — and how workplace wellness can help improve our standing.

It's National Public Health Week, and according to organizers, “studies consistently show that despite spending twice as much, we trail other countries in life expectancy and almost all other measures of good health. This holds true across all ages and income levels. So what is missing? We need a stronger public health system that supports healthy communities and moves us toward preventing illness, disease and injury.”

The report starts with some good news. Since 2013:

• “Smoking continued its decline from 19.6% to 19.0% of the adult population.”
• “Immunization coverage increased from 64% to 67.1% of adolescents aged 13 to 17 years.”
• “We have many successes like increasing life expectancy, reducing infant mortality and declining cardiovascular deaths – but other countries are succeeding faster than we are.”

However, among key illnesses that often can be prevented through healthier habits:

• “Heart disease – the U.S. death rate from ischemic heart disease is the second highest; at age 50 Americans have a less favorable cardiovascular risk profile and adults over age 50 are more likely to develop and die from cardiovascular disease.”
• “Obesity and diabetes – For decades the U.S. has had the highest obesity rates across all age groups and adults are among the highest prevalence of diabetes.”
• “Chronic lung disease – Lung disease is more prevalent and associated with higher mortality.”