Obama specifically addresses chronic but preventable diseases, while McCain talks about obesity.

Democratic presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama made the case for tackling the issue of chronic but preventable diseases. Almost an hour into the debate, after addressing issues of taxation, the economy, and questions about past and present associations, the topic finally turned to health care, identified by a recent study by Lake Research Partners and Voter Consumer Research as the most important issue effecting voters personally. Presented as a choice between reducing cost or expanding coverage, Sen. Obama presented a plan which included addressing the issue of chronic-but-preventable diseases.

According to his own words:

"We are going make sure that we manage chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart diseases, that cost a huge amount, but could be prevented. We've got to put more money into preventive care, this will cost some money on the front end, but over the long-term this is the only way that not only will make families healthy but this is how we will save the federal budget because we can't afford these escalating costs."

Senator McCain, for his part, addressed the issue of childhood obesity and rewarding people for choosing healthier lifestyle.

"The rise of obesity amongst young Americans is one of the most alarming statistics that there is, we should have physical fitness programs and nutrition programs in schools, every parent should know what's going on there. We need to have employers reward employees who join health clubs and practice wellness and fitness."

Despite the fact that the candidates disagree in how to address the issue, Sen. Obama favoring greater role for government funding while Sen. McCain favoring individual and employer initiative, it is refreshing to see that this extremely important issue is receiving the serious attention it deserves. This is especially so when voters are more worried about their health and their children's health than their own jobs, rising cost of gas and groceries, or even their own retirement plans.

I would like to see more attention being paid to this in New Jersey to address the long-term budgetary concerns. Previous studies released by the Milken Institute estimated that chronic disease cost $39 billion in New Jersey alone. The issue is getting worse. I think that we are at a moment where we can tackle this problem now or face health and economic disaster because of it in near future.