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Recent studies have placed WV as one of the most obese states in the Union. As the Gazette article points out, does it really matter where we rank? No. The bottom line is that the State is one of the least healthy jurisdictions in the entire post industrial world and the socio-economic consequences of our poor health create a number of problems in our State that impact other areas of public policy.
Consequences:
*Poor health results in less productive workers from higher absenteeism or employees that go to work but are just not 100% focused because of a chronic condition.
*Poor health results in higher insurance costs for small and large businesses, making the State less attractive as a location to start a new business.
*The prevalence of chronic conditions results in enormous tax payer spending for public health insurance programs like Medicare (federal money), Medicaid (State and federal money), CHIP (State and federal money), and PEIA for State, municipal, county, and some non profit employees.
*Studies show that poor health results in less successful students.
*Poor health results in a less creative population.
*Poor health leads to higher rates of domestic abuse.
*Poor health results in lower quality of life and is inexplicably tied to poverty.
The obvious has been stated. The question is what should we do about it. What steps would you recommend the State take to improve overall population health?
Gazette Article: http://www.wvgazette.com/News/... |
