Accountability

When it comes to healthcare, most people want their symptoms treated without considering how their lifestyle choices may have contributed to their illness. Sure, genetics can play a role in health status and outcomes, but too many people fuel the result with poor diet and exercise habits (or lack thereof), leading to a body and mind that are less than their best. Preventive medicine is a tough sell for the general public, as many people choose to remain in the dark about making the right choices to stay healthy in body and spirit.

As people age, the importance of making wise lifestyle choices and eating well grows. The body's systems become more susceptible to chronic maladies brought on by poor decisions. But so many people are still in the dark, unaware that a rigorous exercise routine, with at least 30 minutes of exercise five times per week, a heart rate at around 75% of max VO2, and healthy eating, can do wonders for their long-term health.

So why should we support a healthcare system for a population that doesn't take care of its personal health? It's an issue of social justice. For example, we educate all citizens even if people don't pay property taxes. Free education through high school is a given. But for some reason, healthcare is often seen as a privilege to be earned. It gets even more complicated when people lose their health insurance due to economic downturns or job losses.

Most people just want to stay safe and secure, like the settlers of the past building fences around their homes. But the truth is chronic illnesses like depression, diabetes, and heart-related diseases are the main culprits for healthcare claims. While proper medical care is a must in these cases, being proactive with health practices like exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding known risks can reduce the need for medical care in acute situations and lower healthcare costs for all.

When a chronic illness sets in, it's a lifelong battle with many drugs, therapies, and specialist appointments. But it's important to know that taking proactive steps can prevent chronic diseases from developing in the first place. Instead, it combines the patient's failure to make healthy choices and the healthcare system's inability to intervene quickly. To improve things, the insurance industry needs to create a wellness campaign, with employers recognizing the benefits of wellness programs in the workplace.

The healthcare system also needs healthy premium subsidies. Young people are a vital subset of the uninsured population and, as such, don't contribute to the risk pool. But if everyone pitches in, including young people, it can offset the liability of those with chronic and costly conditions, stabilizing premiums. In addition, a positive, proactive approach is essential for a sustainable healthcare system, starting with regular check-ups, information about nutrition and fitness in schools, and wise lifestyle choices. Exposing people to these concepts early can help limit unhealthy decisions later in life, and everyone can enjoy the benefits of good health practices.