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What Are the Top 3 Chronic Diseases in the US?

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Explore the impact of chronic illness on the American workforce. Discover how it’s changing the future of work. Stay updated and be part of the solution today!

Published

3 months ago

July 18, 2026

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How chronic illness is reshaping the American workforce

Chronic illness is reshaping the American workforce, as there’s a growing demand for flexible workplace policies and employers are investing more in workplace wellness programs. Advances in technology are also making work more accessible, and chronic illness is influencing workplace planning and business strategy.

According to the CDC, 75% of American adults have at least one chronic condition, and over half have two or more. This means that in any given room, the majority of people are dealing with long-term pain and discomfort, and this includes in the workplace.

The impact of chronic illness in the American workforce is massive, and it’s influencing how employers handle things.

What Are the Top 3 Chronic Diseases in the US?

The CDC says that the top three chronic diseases in the US are heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. These conditions account for a huge share of healthcare spending, especially since they often require lifelong treatment and monitoring.

The good news is that many of the major risk factors (e.g., tobacco use, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, obesity, and high blood pressure) can be reduced through preventive healthcare and healthier lifestyle choices. Those who are affected can also benefit from the aid of a Social Security disability attorney, so they can get the financial help they need.

How Is Chronic Illness Reshaping the American Workforce?

Many people are affected by chronic illness, which has forced employers to rethink how they run the workplace. Here are the top US workforce trends that are accommodating chronic illness and employment.

The Growing Demand for Flexible Workplace Policies

One thing employers are rethinking is traditional workplace expectations. Standard 9-to-5 schedules and mandatory in-office attendance are now on their way out and making room for more flexible arrangements that allow employees to better manage ongoing medical needs.

These things can help workers balance treatment and recovery for better productivity:

Flexible start times
Compressed workweeks
Remote work options
Additional paid leave

Not only do these policies benefit employees with chronic conditions, but they also improve retention and reduce turnover. Businesses that adapt to changing workforce health trends are often better positioned to attract experienced professionals who might otherwise leave the labor force.

Employers Are Investing More in Workplace Wellness Programs

Many businesses are expanding their employer support programs to address the long-term impact of chronic illness on employee health and organizational costs. Instead of focusing solely on fitness challenges or annual health screenings, they’re offering programs that support disease prevention and ongoing management.

These may include:

Nutrition counseling
Smoking cessation resources
Stress reduction workshops
Chronic disease coaching
Mental health services
Telehealth access

Some employers also partner with health insurance providers to identify preventive care opportunities before conditions worsen. By encouraging healthier lifestyles and improving access to care, they can help reduce absenteeism and lower healthcare expenses.

In addition, they can help employees maintain higher levels of productivity.

Advances in Technology Are Making Work More Accessible

Technology is playing a major role in helping people with chronic illnesses remain active participants in the workforce. For example, these tools make it easier for employees to contribute from virtually anywhere:

Cloud-based collaboration tools
Video conferencing
Digital project management platforms
Secure remote access systems

Workers can also better manage symptoms throughout the day with things like wearable health devices, medication reminder apps, speech-to-text software, and ergonomic office technology. AI is also starting to assist with task automation, helping reduce repetitive workloads that may be physically or mentally demanding.

Chronic Illness Is Influencing Workplace Planning and Business Strategy

The rise of chronic illness is making organizations take a broader view of workforce planning. They’re starting to recognize that long-term employee health directly affects productivity, recruitment, succession planning, and operational stability.

Companies are using analytics to identify important trends, and these allow them to develop targeted programs for workplace adaptation. Human resources departments are also placing greater emphasis on inclusive hiring practices, employee retention strategies, and accommodations that help experienced workers remain employed longer.

As the American workforce continues to age, businesses that proactively address chronic health challenges are more likely to maintain a stable and skilled workforce while minimizing disruptions associated with preventable employee turnover and extended medical leave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Chronic Disease Is on the Rise?

There are several chronic diseases rising in the US, but one of the fastest-growing is type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, over 40 million Americans have diabetes, and 90% to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes.

These factors have contributed to more Americans developing this condition:

Rising obesity rates
Sedentary lifestyles
Poor dietary habits
An aging population

While genetics can play a role, many cases are linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. Early detection, healthier eating, regular physical activity, and weight management can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

What Country Has the Highest Rate of Chronic Illness?

It’s hard to name a single country that consistently ranks highest for all chronic illnesses because prevalence varies depending on:

The specific condition being measured
The age of the population
Healthcare access
Reporting methods

For example, some countries have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, while others report more diabetes or chronic respiratory illnesses. Instead of comparing countries directly, health experts often focus on reducing preventable risk factors.

What Jobs Are Good for Chronic Illness?

The best jobs for people living with chronic illness are those that offer flexibility, manageable physical demands, and supportive workplace policies. Examples include:

Administrative support
Bookkeeping
Customer service
Graphic design
Software development
Technical writing
Digital marketing
Online education
Project coordination

These often offer remote positions or hybrid work arrangements. You can even get freelance or self-employed work to get greater control over your work hours and workload.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many employees with qualifying chronic conditions may be entitled to reasonable workplace accommodations, such as flexible scheduling, ergonomic equipment, or remote work options.

The American Workforce Needs Accommodations

Considering that the majority of people live with chronic conditions, the American workforce needs proper accommodations at work to thrive. Businesses that invest in these accommodations create a win-win situation, as they’ll improve worker retention while employees become more productive and engaged, too.

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Community

Mayor Barbara Lee Holds Special State of the City Address in Deep East Oakland

In partnership with Rise East and the 40×40 Council, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee held a special 2026 State of the City East Oakland community conversation on Oct. 14. The purpose of bringing a State of the City address directly to the community was to celebrate East Oakland, highli

Published

3 days ago

October 19, 2026

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Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, left. moderated a community chat with (l.to r.) Selena Wilson, CEO of the East Oakland Youth Development Center; Carolyn “CJ” Johnson, CEO of the Black Cultural Zone; Dr. Noha Aboelata, CEO of Roots Health Center and Greg Hodge, CEO of the Brotherhood of Elders.

By Special to The Post

In partnership with Rise East and the 40×40 Council, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee held a special 2026 State of the City East Oakland community conversation on Oct. 14.

The purpose of bringing a State of the City address directly to the community was to celebrate East Oakland, highlight the work underway, and look ahead to what neighbors, local businesses, youth, funders, community organizations, and partners can accomplish together.

Held at the Roots Community Health/Parker Elementary School Campus at 7929 Ney Ave., the event was emceed by special guest Mark Curry, Oakland native, comedian, and actor.

Lee shared how Rise East and the 40×40 Council have brought together the knowledge, relationships, and resources of people and organizations committed to East Oakland.

Residents bring lived experience, community organizations bring trusted relationships and philanthropy, and businesses bring resources and opportunity, she said, then turned to the government’s role: public investment, services and policy.

But, Lee intoned, City Hall has a responsibility to help connect those efforts.

“I am committed to listening to residents, working across departments and sectors, and helping open doors to opportunity. We must connect neighborhood priorities to the decisions we make about housing, economic development, safety, health and our young people.

City Hall “must be accountable for the results,” Lee said. “The measure of success is what families experience: greater stability, more opportunity and a stronger sense that they belong and have a future here.

“Tonight is an opportunity to listen to the leaders doing this work, learn what is making a difference and identify where we can do more together,” the mayor said.

Lee went on to moderate a ‘fireside chat’ on the theme: Building Oakland’s Future Together — From Neighborhood Investment to Community Empowerment with:

Selena Wilson, CEO, East Oakland Youth Development Center
Greg Hodge, CEO, Brotherhood of Elders
Carolyn “CJ” Johnson, CEO, Black Cultural Zone
Dr. Noha Aboelata, CEO, Roots Health Center

Mayor Barbara Lee’s media relations department provided this report.

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Black History

Practitioners of African Traditional Spirituality Offer Ancestral Reverence Ritual Oct. 31

The Council for Global Ancestral Reverence will host “Ancestral Souls Rising” from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, featuring a three-day gathering of prayer and discussion. Led by elders and priests across the African diaspora, the seventh annual ritual honors those lost without traditional rites while addressing current social challenges. This year’s event connects ancestral wisdom with contemporary issues, including a two-day conversation inspired by Afro-Beat music focused on Black community solidarity and the sacred importance of voting. Read more for details on the ritual schedule and participants.

Published

3 days ago

October 19, 2026

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Oakland native Nedra Williams writes sacred symbols on the ground in San Leandro. Courtesy photo.

By Special to The Post

The Council for Global Ancestral Reverence (C4GAR), a group of elders who practice African traditional spirituality, will lead a three-day gathering of prayer and discussion from Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

Called ‘Ancestral Souls Rising,’ the council members and 21 priests will lead the prayers from many parts of the African diaspora: Africa, Portugal, and across the U.S. from Maryland to the Bay Area.

Now in its seventh year, the annual ritual began during the 2020 pandemic when hundreds of thousands of people died alone and were buried in mass graves without rites and rituals according to loved ones’ traditions.

This prayer event was and is intended to give peace to the departed and comfort for the living who still mourn. Each year, we gather names of new ancestors from living elders to elevate them into the “Great Hall of the Titans.”

In ensuing years, C4GAR added themes to the prayer gathering that referenced current events. In 2024, before the consequential presidential election, C4GAR called on people to vote, invoking the memory of Civil Rights Movement heroes and heroines like John Lewis, who urged “Good Trouble,” and Fannie Lou Hamer, who famously declared that she was “sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

The day of global Prayer on Oct. 31 will be followed by a two-day conversation inspired by “The Blueprint,” an Afro-Beat song by UyiosaEl, to write our new blueprint that supports solidarity and action in the Black community.

“Our elders have, for many generations, known the power of prayer, ritual and breath,” the council said in a statement.

It was and is their intention, then, to use the cultural wisdom, the gift of prayer “and the most sacred thing we have, our breath, to send energy into the world that invokes and honors our ancestors,” the council statement continued.

“Doing this creates a vibration that protects us and employs their ancient wisdom for the well-being of our communities,” the elders said.

The councilmembers, all over the age of 60, recognize that what is now history for so many was once their lived experience. And that history, those joys and sorrows, are now in their bodies.

To them, the uttered prayer and the sacred breath are oaths to an unfolding future that people can still shape.

The council members are Dr. Iyabeji Cathy Royal, Iyalocha Jennifer Dillard, Manbo Charlene Desir (Florida), Nana Sula Spirit (Louisiana), Baba Obafemi Feyemi, Ohen Nedra T. Williams, and Iyalocha Wanda Ravernell-Stewart Emeritus (Oakland).

This year, they also encourage everyone within their reach to VOTE because it is not only a secular and political act, but a sacred one. Remember, the ancestors were denied that right and died for it.

For tickets, go to:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/council-for-global-ancestral-reverence-presents-ancestral-souls-rising-26-tickets-2003127345814?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Community

It’s Time to Lose Weight Before the Holidays

Licensed internist Dr. H. Geoffrey Watson has joined gastroenterologist Dr. Ralph Peterson at Oakland’s MacArthur GI to address the rising obesity epidemic. With U.S. obesity rates reaching 42.4%, the clinic offers supervised weight-loss programs and screenings for fatty liver disease. Treatments include dietary counseling and various medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which regulate digestion and appetite. As certain populations continue to be disproportionately affected by chronic health conditions, medical experts are highlighting new tools available to help patients reach their goals before the holiday season. Read more.

Published

3 days ago

October 19, 2026

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By Special to The Post

Dr. H. Geoffrey Watson, a licensed internist, has joined renowned gastroenterologist Dr. Ralph Peterson at MacArthur GI in Oakland to address obesity, provide supervised weight-loss programs including GLP-1 therapy, and screen for and treat fatty liver disease.

The Obesity Epidemic

Obesity is associated with numerous chronic health problems, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, asthma, depression, joint disorders, fatty liver disease, and high cholesterol. Its causes include genetics, environment, stress, medication side effects, hormonal imbalances, and other factors.

Since 1999, the prevalence of obesity in the United States has risen from 30.5% to 42.4%. Childhood obesity rates are also climbing, with approximately 19.3% of children and adolescents now affected.

Measuring Obesity: Body Mass Index

Obesity is measured using a formula called the Body Mass Index (BMI). You can calculate your own BMI on most smartphones by searching “BMI calculator” and entering your height and weight. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is classified as overweight, and a BMI of 30 or greater is classified as obese.

Populations Disproportionately Affected

Obesity affects certain populations at higher rates. Among U.S. adults, obesity prevalence is 49.9% in Black adults, 45.6% in Hispanic adults, 41.4% in White adults, and 16.1% in Asian adults.

Treatment Options

A variety of treatments are available for obesity, including dietary counseling, exercise programs, bariatric surgery, and anti-obesity medications.

Common oral medications include:

• Adipex (phentermine): A stimulant that works by suppressing appetite.

• Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone): A combination of an antidepressant and an anti-addiction medication that helps control appetite and cravings.

• Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate): A combination of a stimulant and an anti-seizure medication that reduces appetite and cravings.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists were originally approved to treat type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 is a hormone produced naturally by the body that regulates digestion, blood sugar, and appetite by communicating with GLP-1 receptor cells throughout the digestive tract. These medications reduce cravings, appetite, and food intake by influencing the hunger hormones ghrelin, which stimulates hunger, and leptin, which signals fullness.

What We Offer

Drs. Peterson and Watson provide FDA-approved tirzepatide injections, a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication indicated for weight management. Each patient receives a comprehensive history and physical examination to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the medication as part of an overall weight-loss protocol. Dr. Peterson also offers ultrasound screening for fatty liver disease.

We look forward to helping you reach your weight-loss goals and feel your best this holiday season.

H. Geoffrey Watson, M.D., runs the MacArthur GI Clinic at 10520 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA. He can be reached at (510) 562-7467.