Healthy Healthcare

HEALTHY HEALTHCARE

Diet-related chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension contribute to health inequities in multiple ways. Sugary drinks are the largest source of added sugar in the U.S. diet and a key risk factor for these diet-related chronic diseases, which is why reducing the consumption of sugary drinks is one of the best ways that organizations can affect health. Healthcare organizations hold a key leadership role to play in helping to create healthier communities by modeling policy, systems, and environmental changes that can protect against chronic disease and premature death. Hospitals and healthcare settings can create healthier food environments by focusing on healthy beverages, and many of the principles and approaches they use can be applied to food environments in other types of organizations as well.