Health Care Crisis?

I am not a political person, and I, in no way, pretend to have all the answers to the issues our elected officials face each day.  However, I do have an opinion about the health care discussions and debates among politicians and proletarians alike.  First of all, what they are technically discussing is not health care – it is sick care.  I honestly believe that our government (and we individuals) could save a huge amount of money and time if everyone gained accountability for their own health and took better care of themselves.  Americans could save on their sick care bill by simply eating healthier food and exercising most days of the week.  The following are some very disturbing facts about overweight and obese Americans:

• Medical costs due to overweight and obesity are now nearly 10% of the total medical expenditures
• In 2008, US healthcare spending attributed to obesity was $147 billion
• The annual medical spending on an obese person surpasses that of a normal-weight person by $1,429
• MSNBC has reported that the cost of treating obesity is 80% higher than the cost of treating ALL cancers
• George Washington University recently reported that the average annual cost of being obese for a man is $2,646
• A Men’s Health survey recently found that 57% of its respondents would rather drown in debt for the next decade than permanently gain 50 pounds
• In that same Men’s Health survey, 62% of respondents would consider it grounds for divorce if their wife gained 100 pounds
• Obesity is the #2 cause of preventable death in the United States
• Being overweight or obese increases the risk of health conditions and diseases including: Breast cancer, Coronary heart disease, Type II diabetes, Sleep apnea, Gallbladder disease, Osteoarthritis, Colon cancer, Hypertension and Stroke
• Being overweight or obese decreases your chances of getting a raise/promotion, getting a date, and “getting busy” (the first one is a proven fact, the latter two are simply assumptions on my part!)

It is really disturbing to me to read all of these facts.  I certainly don’t have all the answers to the current health care crisis or reform bill issues.  However, I can say with conviction that if each American took control over his/her own health, we might lessen the intense need to reform “sick” care.  If you’ve read my previous blog entries, I have talked about being a NERD and tapping into your inner athlete.  If none of these entries inspired you to get active, eat healthy, or lose weight, what about money in your pocket?  If you can’t get inspired by adding to the quality of your life, at least you could get motivated my adding to the monetary quantity in your life.  And if you find that you still don’t have the motivation or willpower to take that first step?  I am here to help.  I have encouraged and willed my clients to drop pounds, lose inches, eliminate medications, and gain confidence.  With me, you’ll worry less about sick care and health insurance.  You will be able to spend your money and time on more enjoyable things.  And, bonus – you’ll look great and feel amazing!