By Crystal D. Swann
July 12, 2004

Dr. Julie Gerberding, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention June 28 addressed the 72nd Annual Meeting of the Conference of Mayors during a special obesity luncheon. Dr. Gerberding's message that as the world gets smaller all health becomes local health resonated with the Mayors attending the special plenary luncheon on obesity.

Dr. Gerberding, highlighted that due to modern transportation a local health issue could easily become a global health issue in a very short period of time impacting many cities as one time. "Local-Global connectivity is unprecedented," said Gerberding, "we are living in a very small world and we need come to grips with that as we prepare to help support health and prevent injury and disease."

Pointing to the current public focus on bioterrorism agents such as smallpox and anthrax, Dr. Gerberding emphasized the need for increased funding for public health systems in cities and nation. Prevention and detection of disease should be top priority in America, stressed Dr. Gerberding.

The most recent health crisis facing American cities and the world today is obesity, acknowledged Dr. Gerberding. Obesity, which is quickly outpacing tobacco as the leading cause of death, has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and some cancers. While there are many causes to obesity, the primary indicators are physical inactivity and poor nutrition.

In addition, many studies show that physical inactivity contributes to numerous physical and mental health problems and is responsible for an estimated 200,000 deaths per year. Dr. Gerberding while stating that she lives in a community with no sidewalks, urged Mayors to incorporate public health indicators in their community planning projects. People with access to recreational facilities were twice as likely to get recommended levels of physical activity.