Editorial - The Oxford Health Alliance gives young people a voice on chronic disease

Abstract

One only has to read the newspapers (let alone any journal related to health) to be confronted by the epidemic of chronic disease. Whether it be stories of the rise of childhood obesity or the escalating costs of chronic disease, the truth it seems is out there. The challenge for politicians and the policy makers in general is how to address these growing concerns and begin the transition towards a society that promotes health and well being. While discussion begins, a significant population is being left out of the policy debate on this serious issue: young people ? those who represent the generations (X, Y) who will be responsible for picking up the bill and who will need to be engaged in any serious efforts towards addressing the problem.