OUR CURRENT HEALTH CRISIS
Health is defined in the World Health Organizations' Constitution as a "state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
Now consider these facts about American adults:- 4 out of 5 people do not consume enough fruits and vegetables in their diets. 1
- 3 out of 5 people are overweight or obese. 2
- 1 out of 4 people smoke cigarettes. 3
- 3 out of 4 people fail to get any regular physical activity. 4
These unhealthy behaviors cause well over 50% of the morbidity and mortality rates in the United States. Most people think their risk of getting cancer is largely genetic. In reality, 70% of all cancers are a result of our behaviors: smoking, diet, physical inactivity, and obesity. 6
A study by the National Coalition on Health Care (www.NCHC.org) indicates that based on current trends, by 2006, the average cost for family health care coverage will be about $14,500 per employee. This is up from about $7,900 (per employee) for family coverage in 2002. An average cost of $14,000 to $15,000 per employee is staggering for most employers to contemplate.
During the same time frame, it is expected that the number of uninsured will increase from about 41 million to 51-56 million. This is due to the increasing number of smaller employers who will eliminate employee health care coverage. The result is a major shifting of costs to larger employers and government agencies.
A number of solutions are being advanced to relieve the financial burden of health care cost increases. While many of these will help, one of the most effective methods to reduce health care utilization and moderate cost increases is health enhancement and disease prevention. Tailored communications aim to achieve these things.
References:
1Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics (1999A). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1999.
2Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics (1999B). Nationals Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults: United States, 1999.
3Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Health Interview Survey, 1990-97.
4Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Health Interview Survey, 1990-98.
5Cherry, DK, Burt CW, Woodwell DA. National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: (2001) Summary. Advance data from vital and health statistics; no 337. Hyattsville, Maryland: National Center for Health Statistics. 2003.
6Glad, M.J., (1997), Food, Nutrition, and the Prevention of Cancer: A global perspective. American Institute for Cancer Research/World Cancer Research Fund. Nutrition 15(6), 523-6.