About Preventive Care

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►The Centers for Disease Control states "today, chronic diseases - such as cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke), cancer, and diabetes - are among the most prevalent, costly, and preventable of all health problems. Seven of every 10 Americans who die each year, or more than 1.7 million people, die of a chronic disease." - (http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/overview.htm)

 

►The average employee contribution to company-provided health insurance has increased more than 143 percent since 2000. Average out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, co-payments for medications, and co-insurance for physician and hospital visits rose 115 percent during the same period. - (Hewitt Associates LLC. Health Care Expectations: Future Strategy and Direction 2005. 17 November 2004.)

 

►Health care spending is 4.3 times the amount spent on national defense. - (California Health Care Foundation. Health Care Costs 101-- 2005. 02 March 2005.)

 

►Most chronic diseases do not result in sudden death. Rather, they are likely to cause people to become progressively ill and debilitated, especially if their illness is not managed correctly. Chronic disease prevention and control helps people to live longer and healthier lives. – (http://www.who.int/chp/chronic_disease_report/full_report.pdf)

 

► Economists have found that rising health care costs correlate to drops in health insurance coverage. - (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. The Uninsured: A Primer, Key Facts About Americans without Health Insurance. 10 November 2004.)

 

 

Statements such as these indicate the need for employers to help their employees identify their health risks and take steps toward modifying their behaviors. Today, companies are seeking viable alternative options to traditional medical coverage, moving toward consumer-driven health solutions. With this trend, employers are asking employees to take a more proactive approach to their personal health and wellness. Healics provides employers with products and services designed to assist them in achieving this goal.