An article from Healthcare Finance News, http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/obesity-epidemic-could-bankrupt-nation?topic=05,29,19, points out that the obesity epidemic in the U.S. will eventually bankrupt the nation if left unchecked. This is not new information, but it does raise the question of where healthcare in the U.S. is headed. The article goes on to list Legislator’s recommendations for tackling the obesity epidemic including schools improving nutrition and physical activity guidelines, to retailers adopting better policies to promote healthier food choice purchases. One important strategy, that Legislators of course do not point out, is taking control of of your own health, healthcare and healthcare budget. Education and options are of course extremely important, but with anything, there are always poor option choices and it is up to the consumer to decide what they ultimately end up with. Today patients are consumers of healthcare; more informed about care options and provider abilities, more vocal about their expectations for care, and more empowered to “shop around” for the best healthcare provider possible. With this trend of patient engagement and smarter consumers, hopefully the trend of obesity is on its way out!
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