11/4/2009 3:32 PM
ET
(RTTNews) -
Several Democratic Senators Wednesday sought to highlight measures aimed at promoting prevention and wellness in the health care reform bill before the Senate.
Sens. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Tom Udall, D-N.M., said the aim of those efforts was to transform what they labeled a "sick care" system into a true health care system.
They hope that an emphasis on prevention and wellness will dramatically reduce the costs of treating chronic disease, save money and lead to a healthier country.
"Our aim in health reform is to recreate America as a genuine wellness society - a society focused on healthful lifestyles and preventing the chronic diseases that take such a toll on our bodies and our budgets," Harkin said. "Our bill removes the barriers to a healthy lifestyle by putting a sharp new emphasis on fitness, physical activity, good nutrition and disease prevention - in short, keeping people out of the hospital in the first place."
He added, "It does not just tinker at the edges, it changes the paradigm to convert our 'sick care' system into a genuine health care system."
Udall added that the need for preventative medicine has never been greater, but he said the present health care system has systemically neglected what he called a "key component of health care."
"We have solid evidence that we can spend less on health care while saving more lives by implementing preventive measures," he said. "Of the more than $2 trillion the U.S. spends on health care each year, only 4 cents of every dollar is invested in prevention."
He added, "I'm pleased that the Senate health reform legislation will include significant new investments in preventive care that will result in lower costs and improved health for all Americans."
Larry Hausner, CEO of the American Diabetes Association, hailed the Democrats' emphasis on preemptively addressing chronic conditions like diabetes.
"Diabetes is not merely a condition. It is an epidemic," Hausner said. "Americans need access to clinical preventive services, such as diabetes screenings for those at risk, and to prevention programs in their communities that help them lead healthy lifestyles."
He added, "This is why it is critical that health reform makes a strong investment in prevention and wellness."
Also endorsing the Democrat's efforts was Bobby Pestronk, Executive Director of the National Association of County and City Health Officials.
"Is there anyone who would rather be sick? And if we could prevent illness, shouldn't we?" Pestronk asked. "Health is a foundation for a high quality of life. It improves the productivity of workers, the ability to learn, and the national defense."
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