American Values and Health Care Reform

With the national debate over health care reform careening between tired, well-rehearsed talking points, on the one hand, and deep-in-the-weeds debates over technical details, initiatives, and financing mechanisms, on the other, many people find themselves feeling frustrated and left out of the conversation. Yet most thoughtful Americans would have something meaningful to say about the values we should choose for the foundation of our system of health care.1 And by focusing on these fundamental considerations, perhaps we can deepen and broaden the discussion of values and public policy.
There is a broad range of values that we want our health care system to embody and pursue — not just liberty but also justice and fairness, responsibility, medical progress, privacy, and physician integrity, among others. These values have concrete, practical implications for our health care system. Two key implications concern money: Should every American be required to participate in health insurance? What are our obligations to ensure that the resources devoted to health care will be used wisely? The values of fairness and responsibility point to the need for a system of universal participation. Serious concern for the values of quality, efficiency, and health underscore the need to ensure good stewardship of our health care dollars.

Thomas H. Murray, Ph.D.  Posted by NEJM • December 23rd, 2009

Obesity and diabetes driving up health care costs

In the next quarter century, the number of people with diabetes in the United States will double to 44.1 million from 23.7 million, predict researchers at the University of Chicago. Spending on the disease will almost triple to $336 billion in the same time period.
The numbers have huge implications for overall health care costs and potential reform of the system, and for the population's quality of life. Individuals with the disease face years of drug treatment, frequent doctor visits, and a host of related, sometimes fatal, ailments.
The vast majority of diagnosed cases undoubtedly is related to the increased obesity rate in the nation. Obesity and inactivity are major causes of the disease.
No matter what decision Congress reaches on health care reform legislation, until more Americans take responsibility for their own health, costs will only go up.
Given the fact our behaviors are so often influenced by our environment, it's even more essential that individuals make a pointed effort to improve their well-being.
We need to think more creatively about ways to reduce the obesity rate and get people moving. More importantly, the push should come from all levels, from insurance companies to government to CEOs of companies to every one of us.

We all pay the price for obesity, and consequently diabetes, through taxpayer-funded Medicare and Medicaid and high insurance premiums.
There have been efforts at change. Some businesses provide healthy foods in cafeterias or have instituted incentives for weight loss and in the process have cut absenteeism. More builders are configuring communities to encourage walking and physical activity
While some argue adults should be allowed to engage in risky behavior, others say it's time for the federal government to step in. After all, one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use was the cigarette tax.

Unfortunately, obesity and diabetes now affect more children than ever. Schools don't always promote healthy lifestyles. Sodas and other high fructose and hydrogenated foods are easily accessible. And, in an attempt to focus on test scores, far too many have trimmed or eliminated physical fitness programs.
It's time to change the lifestyle landscape. It will take all of us to do it.
If you think that obesity is harmful because it mars your appearance; think again. The dangers of obesity go much beyond the surface level. Obesity does not only mean protruding tummy, heavy thighs and extra bulges. It also means many health problems.

Did you know that obesity contributes to diabetes? It’s a known fact that more obese a person is, more are his/her chances of suffering from type 2 diabetes. It is for several such medical reasons that you need to get rid of extra pounds. It is advisable to go in for natural weight loss ways to tackle the problem better.