The American people are currently in the waiting phase regarding health care reform. Congress is currently reviewing the proposals, scoring the legislation, and deciding what will remain in the final version. The health and fitness industry has worked hard to include incentives for exercise, wellness, and prevention in the legislation. It is still not too late to contact your legislators and let them know prevention is critical to reducing health care costs and living a long, healthy life.
The reality of health care reform, when it happens, is that our industry's work has not ended - it is in fact, beginning. A great challenge lies ahead for health clubs, suppliers to the industry, and the millions of people who already enjoy the numerous benefits of exercise. Our roles as advocates for America's health have just begun - our nation's problem with overweight, obesity, and poor nutrition will not end overnight. Regardless of the outcome of health care reform, it remains our job to educate inactive populations on the benefits of exercise, support our communities in efforts to encourage physical activity, and to help friends and family make lifestyle changes. Our industry looks forward to the day when exercise becomes habitual practice for the majority of Americans. Health care reform is part of the answer to reversing our nation's inactivity problem, but a significant portion lies within our industry and the steps we take from here to keep people moving.
-Rosemary Lavery
