US Health: Preventative Care Declines

Congress Does Not Protect US Healthcare

Preventative care is the best way to be healthier - and to reduce healthcare costs.  But the US is controlled by the insurance industry, so Congress does not encourage preveentative care, especially for the poor.  

Insurers no longer have to provide cancer and heart screenings at no cost; this is a terrible development, and just bad planning.  You can read more at: CNN. 

It is weak management skills of politicians that cause this.  Because preventing disease is the best way for everyone to be healthier!

What is Preventative Care?

​Preventive care refers to measures taken to prevent illness or injury before they occur. This type of care is important for maintaining good health because it can help to identify health issues early, prevent the development of chronic diseases, and improve overall health outcomes. Here are some examples:
 

1. Regular check-ups with a doctor: Regular visits to a healthcare professional can help identify health issues early on and prevent the development of chronic diseases. For example, a routine physical exam can help detect high blood pressure, which can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.
2. Immunizations: Vaccines are a form of preventive care that can protect against infectious diseases. For example, the flu vaccine can help prevent the spread of the flu virus and protect individuals from getting sick.
3. Healthy lifestyle choices: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can all help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
4. Screenings: Screening tests are key - for the heart, and mammograms, and colonoscopies, can help detect cancer early, when it is most treatable. This can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of developing more advanced forms of the disease.

What is the History of Preventative Care?

Preventive care has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations where methods of disease prevention were developed. In modern times, the focus on preventive care has increased as healthcare providers and governments recognize its importance in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Here is a brief summary of the history of preventive care:
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1. Ancient practices: Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese developed methods for preventing and treating diseases. For example, the Greeks believed in the importance of hygiene and developed public baths and water systems to prevent the spread of disease. The Chinese developed a system of preventative medicine based on acupuncture and herbal remedies.
2. 19th century: In the 19th century, advancements in medical science led to the development of vaccines, which have been crucial in the prevention of infectious diseases such as smallpox and polio. The introduction of public health measures, such as sanitation and quarantine, also helped to prevent the spread of diseases.
3. 20th century: The 20th century saw the development of many new preventive measures, including cancer screenings and cholesterol-lowering medications. The introduction of the concept of “primary prevention,” which focuses on preventing diseases before they occur, led to increased emphasis on lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
4. Recent decades: In recent decades, there has been growing recognition of the importance of preventive care in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. This has led to the development of programs such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires insurers to cover certain preventive services without cost-sharing, and the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, which provides preventive care services to older adults.

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Research has consistently shown the benefits of preventive care. For example, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that preventive care interventions such as smoking cessation, blood pressure control, and cholesterol management can lead to a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease. Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that preventive care services such as cancer screenings and immunizations can lead to improved health outcomes and lower healthcare costs.

What Advances are Coming?

There are many exciting treatments and tests on the horizon for healthcare.  Lets hope that politicians can set politics aside and do more to help everyone be healthcare.  The simplest step is just having consistent healthcare options for everyone; this would greatly lower the burden of hospitalizations for the very ill.  But also, as technology continues to develop, there are several promising avenues for the future of preventive care. Here are some examples:
 

1. Nanotechnology: Nanoparticles have the potential to revolutionize disease detection and treatment. For example, nanosensors could be used to detect biomarkers of disease in the blood, urine, or saliva, providing an early warning system for disease. Nanoparticles could also be used to deliver targeted drug therapies directly to affected cells, reducing side effects and improving efficacy.
2. More sophisticated yet less invasive scans: Advances in imaging technology are making it possible to detect diseases at earlier stages and with greater accuracy. For example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can provide detailed images of the body's organs and tissues, allowing doctors to detect abnormalities that may be missed by other tests. In addition, new imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) are providing high-resolution images of the retina, which can be used to detect early signs of eye diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
3. Advancements in immunology: Recent advances in immunology are leading to the development of new preventive strategies. For example, researchers are developing vaccines that target a wider range of viruses and bacteria, including those that cause cancer. In addition, immunotherapy is being used to treat cancer by harnessing the body's immune system to attack cancer cells.
4. Deeper understanding of the gut microbiome: The gut microbiome has been linked to a wide range of health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. As our understanding of the gut microbiome continues to grow, new strategies for preventive care may emerge. For example, probiotics and prebiotics may be used to promote a healthy gut microbiome, reducing the risk of chronic disease.​

Going Forward -

In conclusion, there are reasons to have a lot of hope for better healthcare.  First and foremost is everyone working together to help each other. Fewer sick people benefits everyone.  But also, as technology continues to advance, there are many exciting developments in the field of preventive care. Nanotechnology, more sophisticated yet less invasive scans, advancements in immunology, and deeper understanding of the gut microbiome are just a few examples of promising avenues for future research and development in preventive care.

Read this article at CNN, get angry, and start talking about healthcare.  Use your vote to show YOU care, about healthcare!