Retired physician of more than 20 years, Cleaves Bennett, seeks to explain the reasons for today’s skyrocketing health care costs in this country. While he recognizes that this is a tall order, there are certain factors that are plain to see. Bennett places a lot of blame on certain health problems which have come about over the last few decades as a result of society’s bad habits. Fast food, both content and portion sizes, have contributed largely to a number of chronic, expensive, and preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. Another problem are the millions of dollars wasted on needless tests, relatively useless preventative practices, and scores of high tech, highly expensive specialists. The growing knowledge of “risk factors” now drives young and healthy people to the doctor for preventative measures and diagnostic tests which are not necessary. Bennett goes on to suggest drastic measures such as restrictions on processed foods, weight limits at restaraunts and grocery stores, and more. While these are not “politically correct” do you agree with him on some of these efforts at wellness which would reduce disease and therefore health care costs?
Explaining the Rising Costs of Health Insurance and Care
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Wellness is definitely one of the best ways to reduce and control costs. In addition, it is an issue that all political parties can agree with. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, which is for the most part caused by obesity and eating habits is a huge cost that could almost be totally eliminated by people just eating healthy and exercising. Also, health cost associated with tobacco use is a hugh boost to health costs. Something that could easily be stopped.
They are trying to eliminate trans fat finally. If they also focused on High fructose corn syrup and other such items that would defiantly help with diabetes and obesity issues facing us today. So step up to the plate and put a scale in the Mc Donald’s line to limit the numbers of super sized value meals someone can order.
Absolutely however be aware that you cannot legislate behavior. The Soviet Union tried it and failed miserably. Suppose the guy in the McDonald’s line is ordering take-out for his family of 5 who then must feast on only one order. Get real! Maybe there should be a doctor standing by? Or a lie detector close at hand? Perhaps young and healthy people should not get unnecessary high-cost diagnostic tests as the author suggests. Or instead they should be required to pay for health care for someone they know who has none. Preferably and illegal immigrant. Or limit liability suits against doctors who must carry high-priced malpractice insurance. Or just put a brand on the forehead of anyone with diabetes II.