25 CEUs California #2

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Cigarette Smoking Addiction has been identified as the most important source of preventable morbidity (disease and illness) and premature mortality (death) worldwide. Smoking-addiction related diseases claim an estimated 438,000 American lives each year, including those affected indirectly, such as babies born prematurely due to prenatal maternal smoking and victims of "secondhand" exposure to tobacco's carcinogens.

1 billion men are addicted to smoking -- 35 percent of men in rich countries and 50 percent of men in developing countries.

Smoking Addiction costs the United States over $193 billion in 2004, including $97 billion in lost productivity and $96 billion in direct health care expenditures, or an average of $4,260 per adult smoker addict.  About 8.6 million people in the U.S. have at least one serious illness caused by smoking. That means that for every person who dies of a smoking-related disease, there are 20 more people who suffer from at least one serious illness associated with smoking.

The World Lung Foundation and the American Cancer Society estimates that tobacco addiction costs the global economy $500 billion a year in direct medical expenses, lost productivity and environmental harm. "Tobacco addiction accounts for one out of every 10 deaths worldwide and will claim 5.5 million lives this year alone," the report said. If current trends hold, by 2020, the number will grow to an estimated 7 million and top 8 million by 2030.

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In 2003, the total cost of Arthritis was $128 billion, including $81 billion in direct costs (medical) and $47 billion in indirect costs (lost earnings). This total is equal to 1.2% of the 2003 U.S. gross domestic product. Each year, Arthritis results in 992,100 hospitalizations and 44 million outpatient visits.

It is estimated that 80% of the population will have radiographic evidence of Arthritis by age 65, although only 60% of those will show symptoms. In the United States, hospitalizations for Arthritis soared from about 322,000 in 1993 to 735,000 in 2006.

Arthritis is common in all races and backgrounds. It most commonly affects middle-aged and older people, with most people getting it after age 45. Men under age 55 are more likely to have Arthritis than women under 55.