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Some experts have tried to estimate the costs that obesity and overweight Americans have on the healthcare system. Recent  studies have also linked the burden that alcohol, smoking and illegal drugs have added to soaring healthcare system costs.  If you walk down the supermarket aisle and view what is stacked on each end-cap  it most likely is something not healthy for our bodies.

I attended a recent forum that focused on human behavioral patterns and it made me consider how much do Americans willfully contribute to their failing health, regardless of the long term costs to our healthcare system.  If Americans are eating, drinking and smoking themselves into poor health, what can we do to change public indifference?

Learning From Designated Drivers

I thought about a recent discussion I overheard from a group of high school seniors that were planning to attend a party. They included in their discussion who would be the designated driver.  It hit me just how much has changed since I was in high school when the suggestion of a designated driver would have been a foreign thought, if not mocked.

It has taken years to achieve, but continual education, TV, radio and online campaigns have raised the awareness of drinking and driving to such a level that teen behavior is changing.  Stiff fines and revoked driving licenses have added to the seriousness of DWI charges.

On a separate path, wearing seats belts are an automatic thought today for many drivers.  Education, advertising and fines have helped to shape consumer behavior on the importance of wearing seat belts.  Today, when I drive my 1969 Super Bee, its inferior lap belts make me feel unprotected; a reflection of a time not so long ago when passenger car safety was not taken as seriously as it is today.

Invest More In Educating Our Youth

I would like to see,as part of the healthcare reform we invest, additional funding being used to educate our youngest Americans toward a path of Self-care. We need to help them make better decisions on how to take care of their bodies.  

Yes, we have to address our current needs without a doubt. However, if we fail to change our complacency of caring for self through better eating and exercise, then we haven’t tackled a major contributor to the future continuance of rising healthcare costs.

How would you suggest we change the behavior of Americans in regards to Self-care?