The report brings together data and reports from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), county health departments, nongovernmental organizations, and research centers to examine the burden of chronic disease and injury in California. 

The report includes data from the 2005 and 2007 California Health Interview Surveys.

Findings: Chronic disease and injury account for 80% of deaths in California. Arthritis is the number one cause of disability. Many Californians have multiple chronic diseases, lowering their quality of life and increasing medical costs.

And despite improvements, heart disease and cancer top the leading causes of death in California. Californians with less education and low incomes are more likely to have heart disease, cancer, stroke, COPD, asthma and disease. 

Education, housing, transportation, and workplace all play an essential role in promoting health.