People don’t have to wait for the government to reform healthcare. An estimated 75 percent of healthcare spending in the United States is on chronic diseases caused by bad behavior.
Some people are taking action. A Massachusetts town created their own health reform program and it’s paying off.
In Somerville, Massachusetts, children eat fresh fruit and vegetables at their public schools to help fight health problems. They are also encouraged to bike or walk to school.
The model health program is beginning to be imitated around the U.S., a small start on a big task: preventing the onset of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease that account for 75 percent of the country’s health care spending.
According to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, 45 percent of U.S. citizens (133 million people) put up with at least one chronic health condition such as asthma or hypertension. Because many of the medical conditions are brought on or worsened by obesity, which has doubled nationwide since 1987, experts say these medical conditions can be prevented or at least better managed.
Two-thirds of Medicare spending is from beneficiaries with five or more chronic conditions.
Experts say controlling chronic health problems requires two things: preventing disease before it begins and helping patients manage their chronic health condition once it is developed.
Feel free to comment on what health habits you have changed to prevent chronic health problems.
