MCDJ: Well, I did some research on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. They report that only about half of Americans use preventive health services. Many people do not use services because of cost, such as copays or deductibles. The Affordable Care Act helped by removing some of these costs and requiring health insurance plans to provide recommended preventive services at no cost. These included things like well visits, provision of breastfeeding supplies, screenings and counseling for domestic violence.
EB: Yes, many people are managing difficult times and I can see why removing and/or reducing costs can help make sure more people use preventive services. Can you describe more about what illnesses these health services may help prevent? Is knowing your blood pressure numbers, blood sugar levels and how to properly take your medications part of practicing preventive health?
MCDJ: Yes, that’s right. Preventive health services can help reduce risk for chronic diseases. Examples are heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. These are important diseases to talk about because according to the CDC these diseases account for seven out of 10 deaths among Americans every year. Costs associated with these health issues make up about 75 percent of our nation’s health spending. When people “know their numbers”, have good relationships with their health care providers, and are able to get screenings, tests and treatment regularly, it can improve their overall health.
EB: It is so important that we all, no matter our age, pay attention to building and safeguarding our health, Catrina. I agree that a good, honest relationship with your doctor is one step in maintaining good health. January is a great time to talk about this, as many people make New Year’s resolutions that are about improving their health—whether it’s exercising more, eating better, going to the doctor, reducing stress or seeking a better work-life balance. The healthier the individual, the healthier the community as a whole. And, as my grandmother might have said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of a cure.”
MCDJ: Exactly, Ms. Bush. From a public health perspective, it’s important to focus on preventing people from getting sick in the first place. Preventive health helps the individual. It also helps keep the cost of health care down for everyone. If each person makes good health a priority, throughout their lives from baby to senior citizen, more people will remain healthy. Be sure to talk to a health care provider to understand what preventive services you may need and what is available to you. The less sickness and disease, the healthier and happier our communities will be.
EB: What a great way for us to kick off this New Year, Catrina! I’m so glad we are talking about this at the start of 2017. I encourage each reader to access the preventive health services that are available to you. If you have any questions, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh has a Health Education Office where you can get answers to your questions and connected to health services. I look forward to talking with you next month about healthy relationships.
Any questions or comments can be sent to partners@hs.pitt.edu.
Like us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Pittsburgh-Courier/143866755628836?ref=hl
Follow @NewPghCourier on Twitter https://twitter.com/NewPghCourier
About Post Author
