As noted in one of my previous blogs, "The Politics of Prevention", chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. The prevention of chronic disease must take center stage as one of the most realistic and effective ways to control the ever-expanding cost of health care. I wrote that I believe that the acceptance and adoption of a healthier lifestyle, at both an individual as well as a global level, is the missing link in our national healthcare crisis. I also detailed my belief that it is well within our power to do this for ourselves but I also believe that our government can do more to help, particularly for those who lack the resources to fully engage on their own.
I would now like to bring you some thoughts (...promises...?) from the 2008 presidential candidates themselves. I have not yet decided who will win my vote, but the following make the cut on this issue for me. Here is what they have to say (*quotes obtained from http://www.aarp.org/issues/dividedwefail/elections/wellness.html):
From the Republicans:
John McCain
"Childhood obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are all on the rise. We must again teach our children about health, nutrition and exercise - vital life information. Public health initiatives must be undertaken with all our citizens to stem the growing epidemic of obesity and diabetes, and to deter smoking." (Campaign website, October 11, 2007)
"Insurance companies should have incentives not only for them, but also for the people they insure for incentives to wellness and fitness, and they should be concrete, even in the form of cash payments for people, including payments even to health club fees..." (AARP Republican Candidate Forum, Sioux City, Iowa, October 25, 2007)
Rudy Giuliani
"Infuse Incentives in Insurance Markets That Promote Wellness and Better Outcomes for Chronic Diseases: Health insurance must be redefined to cover wellness as well as sickness. In conjunction with recommendations from doctors and nurses, Rudy will propose new initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles and wellness programs, and tie Medicaid payments to a state's success in promoting preventative care and tracking obesity for children." (Campaign website 9/05/07)
Mike Huckabee
"We do need to get serious about preventive health care instead of chasing more and more dollars to treat chronic disease, which currently gobbles up 80% of our health care costs, and yet is often avoidable. The result is that we'll be able to deliver better care where and when it's needed. I advocate policies that will encourage the private sector to seek innovative ways to bring down costs and improve the free market for health care services. We have to change a system that happily pays $30,000 for a diabetic to have his foot amputated, but won't pay for the shoes that would save his foot." (Campaign website, October 2, 2007)
From the Democrats:
