An Ounce of Prevention is Worth Millions of Dollars

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and again: Many of the chronic diseases that afflict most Americans and add millions to the overall cost of health care delivery are preventable.  The 2012 American’s Health Ranking Report confirmed this fact.  The report found that while American’s are living much longer we are doing so with more chronic illnesses than before.  One of the most widespread is type 2 diabetes.

 

I’ve also talked about the need for all stakeholders - health insurers, physicians, hospitals, patients and community-based organizations - to work together to develop innovative ways to prevent the onset of diseases like type 2 diabetes.  So I’m happy to point you in the direction of a community-based program that is making a difference.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program was highlighted in a recent Wall Street Journal article. A national initiative, the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is easily accessible via your local YMCA.  Research by the National Institutes of Health has proven that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of cases of type 2 diabetes by nearly 60%.  The cost of the program varies by location but UnitedHealthcare members can submit the cost as a medical claim for reimbursement.  To find a location near you go to www.notme.com.

An ounce of prevention really can save millions of health care dollars and add years of healthy living to your life!