Paying for Chronic Diseases.. the map

[SoCalDem]

http://www.good.is/post/the-cost-of-treating-chronic-disease/

The cost of treating chronic disease (cancers, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, mental disorders, and pulmonary conditions) costs billions of dollars a year, putting an incredible burden on our country's health-care system. Many of these diseases are either preventable or can be more cost-effectively managed if caught early. Our current system often simply pays to treat chronic diseases over the long term. Instead, we could save money by encouraging behavior that would stop these diseases before they start, or by attacking them quickly after the discovery of early warning signs. This map shows how much was spent treating chronic diseases cost in each state in 2003 (the last year for which data is available) and how much those costs are projected to balloon by 2023 without a change to the way our health-care system approaches these conditions.

[dkf]

1. Cbo didn't score preventative measures as saving money.

It said the cost of the extra testing was equal to the savings.

[Warpy]

2. Nothing will stop diseases you are genetically programmed to get

but a healthy lifestyle will delay their onset.

Prevention is being oversold as a panacea that will allow us all to live our lives free of disease. It's just not going to happen that way.

[SoCalDem]

3. and it's next to impossible to "prevent" an ailment that is slowly

manifesting itself, due to chemicals & toxins you never even knew you were exposed to..

[blondeatlast]

4. Just to clarify--not all diabetes is preventable. I'm a lifelong diabetic

and I get very tired of people thinking I could have prevented it. Not likely at 7 years of age.

But otherwise, great info. Thanks.

[SoCalDem]

5. I think they were referring to the type 2, which (in some cases) can be prevented

My husband is the antithesis of the type 2 candidate.. thin as a rail..no family history and wham..he has it.. I'm the rolly-polly WITH a family history & my blood sugar is normal..... go figure..

[blondeatlast]

6. I know they are, but a lot of people aren't even aware that my type exists.

Not trying to piss on this, either, I just take any opportunity I can to point that out! :hi:

[Altoid_Cyclist]

7. One of my all time favorites is a perfect example of your post.

Mary Tyler Moore

In addition to her acting work, Moore is the International Chairman of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International.<26> In this role, she has used her fame to help raise funds and raise awareness of diabetes mellitus type 1, which she has, almost losing her vision and at least one limb to the disease.

In 2007, in honor of Moore's dedication to the Foundation, JDRF created the "Forever Moore" research initiative which will support JDRF's Academic Research and Development and JDRF's Clinical Development Program. The program works on translating basic research advances into new treatments and technologies for those living with type 1 diabetes.


:hi: