While our Supreme Court Justices debate the constitutionality of Obamacare, our country isn’t getting any healthier. It is important to remember that whether it passes or not, this healthcare law will not make us healthier as individuals or a country. This bill is about how much money healthcare costs and how to lower the cost of care. What we really need is a proactive approach to healthcare that makes us a healthier people and therefore helps us to save money on healthcare costs.
One of the biggest reasons for individuals and families claiming bankruptcy is the cost of medical care. As is well documented, the cost of medical care is getting more expensive. In 2009, healthcare costs were 17.3% of our gross domestic product. By 2017, it is estimated that more than 21 cents of every dollar spent in this country will be on healthcare. On an individual level, healthcare costs an average of $1,500 more for an obese person than that of a person maintaining a healthy weight. If we have learned anything from families, it is that medical costs will bankrupt you as it overtakes your ability to cover other expenses. Eventually, medical costs will bankrupt the good old USA if we don’t do something about it.
Fortunately, there is a major bright spot. Obesity, which is responsible for increasing a lot of risk factors for certain diseases is preventable in most cases. Approximately 80% of obesity related illnesses are preventable simply by diet and exercise and living a generally healthy lifestyle. Thus, if individuals learn how to make smarter health and fitness choices, we can start saving our healthcare dollars for those people who really need it. Those individuals whereby diet and exercise alone cannot help themselves. Thus lowering our overall healthcare expense.
How does someone make the change for themselves? Get connected with an fitness or nutritional expert. Learn what works best for your body and lifestyle. In my utopian world, a site like NeighborhoodTrainer.com can help people realize that personal trainers, Pilates and yoga instructors, nutritionists, and health coaches are accessible anywhere and ready to work with people with all different types of issues and goals. Your success is their success. Now that is a much better way to spend money on healthcare and get an incredible return on your investment.
Remember to see your doctor for a complete checkup before starting any physical fitness or weight training program,. A complete annual physical should be a part of everyone’s wellness plan. This simple visit to your doctor can help stave off chronic or serious health problems from developing. This is especially important if you will be working out when you are alone. If you are at risk for any health problems, you will want to know before you get started. Plus, this will give you a great picture of your current state of health so your can compare later on for results.
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