Focus on Wellness
To strengthen the health of America, our focus must be on wellness and not simply on treatment. We all must eat better, strive for an active lifestyle and manage our lives to help prevent illnesses and diseases.
The cost of inaction is staggering. An estimated 133 million Americans - nearly half of the population - suffer from at least one chronic disease, such as hypertension, heart disease and arthritis. Many of these diseases are preventable through lifestyle choices or early detection and reducing risk factors. The threat to the length and quality of our lives is stark: heart disease affects more than 79 million Americans and is responsible for 40 percent of deaths, the number of people with diabetes has doubled in fifteen years, and 300,000 deaths each year are attributable to obesity.
Not all health conditions can be avoided and accidents will always occur despite our best efforts, but we can and must wage a better campaign in this fight. A balanced diet, active lifestyle, health education and good primary care can play a large role in improving America's health.
Ideas for Change
Invest in America's public health
Improve existing public health systems and expand programs that address the underlying causes of disease for all individuals regardless of insurance or employment status.
Start with Mothers and Babies
As the earliest years have a tremendous impact on growth and development, we need to ensure that all expectant mothers receive early prenatal care.
Reach out to Children
Invest in school-based health programs including nutrition, fitness, immunizations and school nurses. Increase federal funding for Early Head Start programs and take steps to improve school meals, playgrounds and gyms, and child safety programs.
Increase Health I.Q.
Use community outreach, the Internet and media campaigns to provide trustworthy and impartial consumer health information on nutrition, physical activity, tobacco and substance abuse, sleep and stress.
Support Healthy Lifestyles
Community health centers, employers and insurers should provide encouragement and financial incentives for individuals to exercise, improve their diet, participate in health screenings and stop smoking.
Plan for Health
Enact health-friendly laws like smoke-free public spaces and develop community planning that encourages exercise and walking.
Improve Access to Primary Care
Reward doctors and other health providers who deliver primary care, especially in underserved areas, and require health plans to guarantee around-the-clock access.
Action Steps
Start a walking club with your friends or neighbors to stay healthy while reducing stress.
Check out the USDA nutrition guidelines to help make more nutritious and balanced meals.
Talk with your doctor about ways to reduce your risk factors through diet and exercise. Acquaint yourself with your family medical history to know potential vulnerabilities.
Start a workplace wellness program that rewards employees for healthy behaviors and offers helpful tips.
Links
Alternative Health
Foundation for Integrated Medicine
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Personal Health - Infants and Children
Nemours
Personal Health - Adults and Seniors
AARP
FDA's Maturity Health Matters
MedlinePlus
National Institutes of Health
National Institute on Aging
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Personal Health - Specific Conditions
American Heart Association
Mental Health Services Locator
National Eye Institute
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute