New data from CDC: nation's leading causes of death, 38 million Americans are binge drinkers

Two reports were released from the CDC this week that should be of interest to the purchaser community.

Leading killers
Heart disease, cancer, lower respiratory disease, stroke and diabetes are four of the top 10 leading killers in the U.S. The report indicates two major trends: homicides are down and deaths from certain diseases are on the rise as the population ages. The full list and January 11 National Vital Statistics Report can be found here.

Binge drinking is growing problem
New research shows that four times a month, one in six Americans goes on a drinking binge, knocking back an average of eight alcoholic beverages within a few hours. The report finds that drinking too much, including binge drinking, cost the United States $223.5 billion in 2006, or $1.90 a drink, from losses in productivity, health care, crime and other expenses.



States and communities can:

• Implement effective community strategies to prevent binge drinking such as those recommended by the Community Guide.
• Routinely track and report how many people binge drink, how often, and how much they drink when they binge.
• Develop community coalitions that build partnerships among schools, community- and faith-based organizations, law enforcement, health care, and public health agencies to reduce binge drinking.