From the Well, Duh! files: Prevention Is Less Costly Than Treatment

[MountainLaurel]

An ounce of prevention in community health programs could save states hundreds of millions of dollars in health-care costs, a new study has found.

The report from Trust for American Health, a nonprofit health advocacy group, found that programs encouraging physical activity and healthy eating and discouraging smoking were a better investment than those concentrating on treatment. The results are laid out in a state-by-state breakdown: Maryland, the researchers found, would save $6 for every dollar invested, or $332 million over five years, while Virginia would save $385 million -- $5.20 for every dollar spent. The District would save $9.90 for every dollar invested, or $57 million over five years.

"We've got to change the mindset from treating sick people to preventing illnesses in the first place, and this report shows that we ought to be more serious about investing up front," said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, who is scheduled to speak at a event marking the report's release today.

The report, called "Prevention for a Healthier America," emphasizes a major role of nonprofit community health programs, such as the YMCA, in preventative efforts, as well as state and local governments' responsibility to help create healthier communities. Researchers endorsed such initiatives as increased tobacco taxes, smoke-free laws, nutrition labeling on restaurant menus and maintaining sidewalks as low-cost ways to encourage healthy living.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/17/AR2008071700990.html?hpid=moreheadlines

[glowing]

1. but, but, but only sick people buy pharmaceuticals and visit Dr.s and

need expensive procedures in hospitals to keep them alive.

[MountainLaurel]

2. I hear you

It's kinda like how life insurance companies won't insure someone who has sought treatment for depression, because apparently that is a bad thing.

[glowing]

3. our whole system need re-examining... even the idea of life insurance..

the fact that we need to buy a plan on our death.. I call it what it is: Death insurance.. and its bought so that the family won't suffer financially from a pre-mature death... why shouldn't it be automatic that children and spouses are taken care.