A frequent topic of discussion in our meetings is how the industry can learn to better speak to and serve members of their communities that are overweight. No one will deny that this is a struggle for our industry or that is it one that must be overcome.
Right now about 17% of Americans are members at health clubs. Meanwhile, 67% of Americans are either overweight or obese. Clearly, our industry has a tremendous amount to offer the majority of Americans that struggle with their weight, but before we can help them, we must make them feel welcome enough to enter our clubs.
A sad story came across my desk this morning about a woman who was asked not to use the equipment at her new gym because of her weight. At 380 lbs. the management felt it was unsafe for her to use certain equipment that had weight limits. They offered her an alternative fitness plan, but she was not interested and instead took her story to the local television station.
This story is sad for a few reasons. First, it must have been a crushing emotional blow to this woman for whom weight must be a brutal daily struggle. Second, it's sad because the story will become an excuse for others to not step foot in a gym because it will reinforce their perception that gyms are only for skinny people. That means, these people won't reap the health benefits that are out there and waiting for them.
As an industry, we must do a better job of making overweight people feel welcome at clubs. That is not just about how there are treated when they are there, but how we market to them and attract them to our facilities in the first place. Personally, I feel the industry would be better served to cease using all images of ultra thin women in sports bras working out. Now, I've worked out in a lot of clubs in my day and I can honestly tell you, it's a pretty rare site to see. But for those that haven't been to a lot of clubs, it's no wonder they feel that they need to lose weight BEFORE they join a gym because all of the ads make it look like the land of beautiful people!
Let's start showing images that reflect the people that are really in the club. Young, old, and middle-aged. Athletes, average Joe's and Jane's, and yes, people struggling with their weight. The more we do this, the better we will be able to serve everyone and make our country a healthier place. We have the knowledge, we have the passion, we have the equipment for safe and effective weight loss. Now, let's put out the welcome sign for everyone.
Before I sign off, I just want to say that there are some amazing programs out there in our clubs that welcome people struggling with their weight and help them succeed in living a healthy lifestyle and those stories far out-number the stories like the one I came across today.
Showing posts with label Bre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bre. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Governments Eye Healthy Lifestyles for Tax Revenue
As shocking as it may sound, the fitness industry faces attempts by state and sometimes local governments every year that try to tax health club membership dues and services.
We strongly believe that exercise is medicine, so for us that is like taxing a your insurance co-pay for an annual wellness exam with your physician. No one politician would ever suggest that idea. Yet, in state after state they target residents who have taken control of their health and exercise at health clubs.
Currently, Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania and members of the Washington DC Council are considering proposals that would extend the sales to certain services, including health clubs. We're rallying fitness professionals and health club members in Pennsylvania and DC to speak out against taxes on their healthy habits. To date the response has been impressive, with thousands of messages sent to legislators.
All of this brings up a bigger question though: why is your health club membership a favorite target of legislators?
There are many possible answers to this question. Most legislators will claim that a shift from a product-based economy to one the centers on the sale of services, necessitates that all services be taxed. Based on your personal beliefs on taxation, you could find merit in that argument. But why is it that the services of physicians, hospitals, and clinics are never included? They too offer services.
Clearly, there is am important need to educate legislators everywhere that exercise is medicine and just as they would never consider taxing diabetes testing supplies, they should also never consider taxing exercise in the safe and supportive communities of health clubs.
- Bre McGahey
We strongly believe that exercise is medicine, so for us that is like taxing a your insurance co-pay for an annual wellness exam with your physician. No one politician would ever suggest that idea. Yet, in state after state they target residents who have taken control of their health and exercise at health clubs.
Currently, Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania and members of the Washington DC Council are considering proposals that would extend the sales to certain services, including health clubs. We're rallying fitness professionals and health club members in Pennsylvania and DC to speak out against taxes on their healthy habits. To date the response has been impressive, with thousands of messages sent to legislators.
All of this brings up a bigger question though: why is your health club membership a favorite target of legislators?
There are many possible answers to this question. Most legislators will claim that a shift from a product-based economy to one the centers on the sale of services, necessitates that all services be taxed. Based on your personal beliefs on taxation, you could find merit in that argument. But why is it that the services of physicians, hospitals, and clinics are never included? They too offer services.
Clearly, there is am important need to educate legislators everywhere that exercise is medicine and just as they would never consider taxing diabetes testing supplies, they should also never consider taxing exercise in the safe and supportive communities of health clubs.
- Bre McGahey
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
White House Task Force Releases Childhood Obesity Plan
First lady Michelle Obama, flanked by three cabinet members, released the 124-page report from the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity yesterday. The report made 70 recommendations with the goal of reducing the current childhood obesity rate of about 20 percent back down to 5 percent by 2030.
"For the first time -- this is the key -- we're setting really clear goals and benchmarks and measurable outcomes that will help tackle this challenge one step, one family and one child at a time," Mrs. Obama said.
The plan focuses on five key areas determined by the task force, they include: prenatal care, empowering parents with nutritional information and community support, getting healthier foods into schools, increasing access to healthy foods in neglected urban and rural neighborhoods, and making sure that all kids are physically active.
IHRSA had submitted comments to the Task Force regarding the fitness industry’s potential role in increasing physical activity among the nation’s youth. The comments urged policymakers to seek partnerships with health clubs to expand opportunities for physical activity. IHRSA’s comments are reflected in at least two of the recommendations:
Recommendation 5.15: Local governments should be encouraged to enter into joint use agreements to increase children’s access to community sites for indoor and outdoor recreation.
Recommendation 5.16: The business sector should be encouraged to consider which resources and physical assets like fields and gyms can be used to increase students’ access to outdoor and indoor recreational venues. Corporations, for example, may have large grounds that they can make available for children in the community to play soccer or engage in other outdoor activities.
More details about the report, including recommendations related to physical activity can be found at LetsMove.gov.
Download the section on physical activity (PDF 927 KB).
View a summary of IHRSA’s recommendations to the Task Force.
- Bre McGahey
"For the first time -- this is the key -- we're setting really clear goals and benchmarks and measurable outcomes that will help tackle this challenge one step, one family and one child at a time," Mrs. Obama said.
The plan focuses on five key areas determined by the task force, they include: prenatal care, empowering parents with nutritional information and community support, getting healthier foods into schools, increasing access to healthy foods in neglected urban and rural neighborhoods, and making sure that all kids are physically active.
IHRSA had submitted comments to the Task Force regarding the fitness industry’s potential role in increasing physical activity among the nation’s youth. The comments urged policymakers to seek partnerships with health clubs to expand opportunities for physical activity. IHRSA’s comments are reflected in at least two of the recommendations:
Recommendation 5.15: Local governments should be encouraged to enter into joint use agreements to increase children’s access to community sites for indoor and outdoor recreation.
Recommendation 5.16: The business sector should be encouraged to consider which resources and physical assets like fields and gyms can be used to increase students’ access to outdoor and indoor recreational venues. Corporations, for example, may have large grounds that they can make available for children in the community to play soccer or engage in other outdoor activities.
More details about the report, including recommendations related to physical activity can be found at LetsMove.gov.
Download the section on physical activity (PDF 927 KB).
View a summary of IHRSA’s recommendations to the Task Force.
- Bre McGahey
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Where has all the prevention gone?
This time last year, supporters of healthy lifestyles were buoyed by the stump speeches of of then candidate Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. They spoke of prevention, exercise and healthy eating habits. They didn't agree on much, but they did both speak of the power of healthy lifestyles in reducing health care costs.
Fast forward one year. Despite all the rhetoric from Democrats, Republics, Members of Congress, the Administration and all the cable news pundits, real prevention appears to be the forgotten solution. Now that all the major bills have been introduced, it's clear that the oratorical support for healthy diets and regular exercise have not yet translated into policy initiatives.
This is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, if the causes of chronic diseases, which account for 75% of health care spending are not adequately addressed, no amount of reforms on paper will bring real costs savings. To put it in medical terms, we're treating the symptoms, not the disease. And at the rate our society is going (and growing), today's kids will be the first generation to have a shorter life-span than their parents. How will this play out if that generation is still struggling to reign in health care costs because no one stepped up to the plate and told Americans it's time to start making some hard decisions.
Our CEO, Joe Moore, often writes about the creation of a culture of wellness. I love this. Not because I work for the health club industry, but because I am someone that tries to do what I can in my daily life to make healthy choices. Once you start to educate yourself about wellness and prevention the truth of what our daily habits are doing to us is shocking. Maybe this was what it was like back in the day when people didn't understand the full extent of the health implications of smoking cigarettes.
A poll out today says that 79% of Americans support health care reform. So how can the people that support healthy lifestyles take this support and get people to support healthy lifestyles? THe first thing everyone can do is speak out to Congress and President Obama. We need to share our stories about how healthy habits translate into less chronic disease, lower health care costs, and more productive and happy employees.
If everyone tells their story, we can start a movement. Look at what the anti-smoking movement did. Maybe this can be the wellness movement. Join the movement for a healthier America and share your story today. http://ihrsa.org/campaign.
- Breanne McGahey
Fast forward one year. Despite all the rhetoric from Democrats, Republics, Members of Congress, the Administration and all the cable news pundits, real prevention appears to be the forgotten solution. Now that all the major bills have been introduced, it's clear that the oratorical support for healthy diets and regular exercise have not yet translated into policy initiatives.
This is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, if the causes of chronic diseases, which account for 75% of health care spending are not adequately addressed, no amount of reforms on paper will bring real costs savings. To put it in medical terms, we're treating the symptoms, not the disease. And at the rate our society is going (and growing), today's kids will be the first generation to have a shorter life-span than their parents. How will this play out if that generation is still struggling to reign in health care costs because no one stepped up to the plate and told Americans it's time to start making some hard decisions.
Our CEO, Joe Moore, often writes about the creation of a culture of wellness. I love this. Not because I work for the health club industry, but because I am someone that tries to do what I can in my daily life to make healthy choices. Once you start to educate yourself about wellness and prevention the truth of what our daily habits are doing to us is shocking. Maybe this was what it was like back in the day when people didn't understand the full extent of the health implications of smoking cigarettes.
A poll out today says that 79% of Americans support health care reform. So how can the people that support healthy lifestyles take this support and get people to support healthy lifestyles? THe first thing everyone can do is speak out to Congress and President Obama. We need to share our stories about how healthy habits translate into less chronic disease, lower health care costs, and more productive and happy employees.
If everyone tells their story, we can start a movement. Look at what the anti-smoking movement did. Maybe this can be the wellness movement. Join the movement for a healthier America and share your story today. http://ihrsa.org/campaign.
- Breanne McGahey
Friday, July 24, 2009
Health Care Reform, Prevention, Cost-Savings
President Barack Obama will address the nation tonight in a prime time news conference on health care reform. This is the latest event in what has been a full court press by the White House in recent days to try to build awareness and momentum around the debate. At a White House Rose Garden event on Tuesday, Obama said, “We've agreed that our health reform bill will emphasize prevention and wellness by investing in programs that help Americans live healthier lives. We will save money, prevent illness, and increase the competitiveness of our country. “
IHRSA and its partners continue to encourage legislators to use prevention to contain skyrocketing costs. In a statement released Monday, the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) urged Congress to focus on the number one driver of health care costs- chronic disease. "We must focus on disease prevention and wellness in order to reduce unnecessary - and often preventable - costs and create a sustainable health care system," said Ken Thorpe, Ph.D., PFCD Executive Director. "We hope that as other Senate and House committees continue through mark ups, they will make certain that their bills contain adequate measures to address the economic burden of chronic disease and control costs in order to insure the passage of comprehensive, sustainable health care reform legislation in 2009."
While members of Congress and the Obama administration discuss health care reform, the President continues to call on Congress to move bills out of committee and to vote before the scheduled August recess. Though some in Washington are beginning to call the deadline impossible, committees are working very quickly to mark up the bills as soon as possible making this a crucial time for IHRSA’s Personal Health Investment Today Act and Workplace Health Improvement Program Act.
“Our DC team has been actively engaging with key legislators in both the House and the Senate on including the WHIP and PHIT Acts in health care reform,” said Helen Durkin, executive vice president IHRSA public policy. “But we do not have a million dollars a day to spend like the insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies. Our strength is the number of fitness professionals across America that are passionate about creating a culture of wellness in our nation.”
Fitness professionals can do their part by writing an email to Congress asking for their support of exercise as part of prevention in health care reform. All of the details are provided online at http://ihrsa.org/campaign. Clubs will be speaking out for legislation that not only encourages Americans to lead healthy lives but also provides them tax incentives to do so while promoting health clubs and growing the number of Americans with gym memberships.
- Breanne McGahey
IHRSA and its partners continue to encourage legislators to use prevention to contain skyrocketing costs. In a statement released Monday, the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) urged Congress to focus on the number one driver of health care costs- chronic disease. "We must focus on disease prevention and wellness in order to reduce unnecessary - and often preventable - costs and create a sustainable health care system," said Ken Thorpe, Ph.D., PFCD Executive Director. "We hope that as other Senate and House committees continue through mark ups, they will make certain that their bills contain adequate measures to address the economic burden of chronic disease and control costs in order to insure the passage of comprehensive, sustainable health care reform legislation in 2009."
While members of Congress and the Obama administration discuss health care reform, the President continues to call on Congress to move bills out of committee and to vote before the scheduled August recess. Though some in Washington are beginning to call the deadline impossible, committees are working very quickly to mark up the bills as soon as possible making this a crucial time for IHRSA’s Personal Health Investment Today Act and Workplace Health Improvement Program Act.
“Our DC team has been actively engaging with key legislators in both the House and the Senate on including the WHIP and PHIT Acts in health care reform,” said Helen Durkin, executive vice president IHRSA public policy. “But we do not have a million dollars a day to spend like the insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies. Our strength is the number of fitness professionals across America that are passionate about creating a culture of wellness in our nation.”
Fitness professionals can do their part by writing an email to Congress asking for their support of exercise as part of prevention in health care reform. All of the details are provided online at http://ihrsa.org/campaign. Clubs will be speaking out for legislation that not only encourages Americans to lead healthy lives but also provides them tax incentives to do so while promoting health clubs and growing the number of Americans with gym memberships.
- Breanne McGahey
Monday, July 13, 2009
Obama Nominates Surgeon General
Earlier today in a White House Rose Garden ceremony, President Barack Obama nominated Dr. Regina Benjamin to serve as the next Surgeon General of the United States. By all accounts, she is a qualified doctor who is exceptionally dedicated to her patients in Bayou La Batre, Ala. (yes, Forest Gump fans the same shrimping community Bubba was from). But what position will Dr. Benjamin take on exercise, prevention and wellness?
As the fitness industry, we hope that the Surgeon General will make use of the high profile of her office to shed light on the impact that a healthy lifestyle can have on the health of all Americans. Bush's Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona was a proponent of healthy lifestyles, he even spoke at an IHRSA Convention a few years back. Acting Surgeon General Dr. Steven Galson, has also promoted exercise and been a friend to the issue, especially during the release of the Physical Activity Guidelines.
According to Obama's statement today, "[Dr. Benjamin]'s been a relentless promoter of prevention and wellness programs, having treated too many costly and -- diseases and complications that didn't have to happen." This is great, but given her focus on rural health care one has to wonder how will so many important areas of health care be handled by a small staff with a limited budget. Coming from Alabama, Dr. Benjamin must be keenly familiar with the impact of a sedentary lifestyle. The Trust for America's Health reported earlier this month that Alabama has the second highest adult obesity rate in the nation at over 31% of the adult population. That is a shocking statistic.
I am curious to learn if Dr. Benjamin led efforts in her community to increase physical activity and improve eating habits. If so, she could very well become a powerful role model for the changes that need to occur in our communities that are hardest hit by the obesity epidemic. Only time will tell.
Dr. Benjamin said during her statement that she wants to become America's family physician. I hope that she and all family physicians across America start to better advise their patients on the importance of regular exercise and healthy diets.
- Breanne McGahey
As the fitness industry, we hope that the Surgeon General will make use of the high profile of her office to shed light on the impact that a healthy lifestyle can have on the health of all Americans. Bush's Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona was a proponent of healthy lifestyles, he even spoke at an IHRSA Convention a few years back. Acting Surgeon General Dr. Steven Galson, has also promoted exercise and been a friend to the issue, especially during the release of the Physical Activity Guidelines.
According to Obama's statement today, "[Dr. Benjamin]'s been a relentless promoter of prevention and wellness programs, having treated too many costly and -- diseases and complications that didn't have to happen." This is great, but given her focus on rural health care one has to wonder how will so many important areas of health care be handled by a small staff with a limited budget. Coming from Alabama, Dr. Benjamin must be keenly familiar with the impact of a sedentary lifestyle. The Trust for America's Health reported earlier this month that Alabama has the second highest adult obesity rate in the nation at over 31% of the adult population. That is a shocking statistic.
I am curious to learn if Dr. Benjamin led efforts in her community to increase physical activity and improve eating habits. If so, she could very well become a powerful role model for the changes that need to occur in our communities that are hardest hit by the obesity epidemic. Only time will tell.
Dr. Benjamin said during her statement that she wants to become America's family physician. I hope that she and all family physicians across America start to better advise their patients on the importance of regular exercise and healthy diets.
- Breanne McGahey
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Looking for a few good fitness professionals
We need a few good fitness professionals to travel to Washington, DC on May 6 and 7, 2009 to represent their congressional district or state and meet with key congressional leaders about the role of exercise in health care reform as part of the Campaign for a Healthier America. Are you willing to step up to the plate and speak out for healthy lifestyles?
Maybe in your mind, you scrolling through a list of excuses right now. I'm too busy. Someone else from my district will go. It's too expensive. I can't make a difference. I don't know the first thing about politics. I'm not even interested in politics.
Here is the thing: the Summit for a Healthier America is not about politics, it is not about professional lobbyists, it's not about leaving it up to the "next guy." It's about participating in the political process, something that every American has the right and the obligation to do.
What happens in your health club matters to the future of America and fundamental changes in our health care system. We need you to tell that story to your Members of Congress. You don't have to know the specific details of the legislation, you just need to be passionate about making America healthier.
I hope you will consider joining us. It is an amazing experience. You will leave with a new outlook on DC and the difference that you can make in our country. It may sound hookey, but I promise, it's true. Register online today.
If you are at fitness professional at an IHRSA member club in good standing and live or work in one of our target districts, you may be eligible for a travel scholarship to the Summit for a Healthier America. See a list of target districts here.
- Breanne McGahey
Monday, April 20, 2009
Humana Health Care Reform Video Encourages Exercise as a Cost Solution
While on Twitter (http://twitter.com/campaign4health) today, I saw a tweet one from the New America Foundation about a great video on the basics of health care reform. It's a really simple look at the basics of health care reform. Two things that I really liked about about.
1) They mention exercise and healthy eating as one of three main ways to create costs savings (technology and payment for quality rounded out the pack). It also recognized that 70% of health care costs are preventable. It's so important that we are beginning to see greater acceptance of exercise and proper nutrition as part of broader health care reform.
2) The video is produced by Humana, an insurance company. The New America Foundation put it perfectly when they said: "The fact that the insurance company is putting PSAs on “what is health reform and why do we need it?” is just another sign of how far we’ve come from the Harry and Louise Days of 1993-94."
- Breanne McGahey
1) They mention exercise and healthy eating as one of three main ways to create costs savings (technology and payment for quality rounded out the pack). It also recognized that 70% of health care costs are preventable. It's so important that we are beginning to see greater acceptance of exercise and proper nutrition as part of broader health care reform.
2) The video is produced by Humana, an insurance company. The New America Foundation put it perfectly when they said: "The fact that the insurance company is putting PSAs on “what is health reform and why do we need it?” is just another sign of how far we’ve come from the Harry and Louise Days of 1993-94."
- Breanne McGahey
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Spring in DC
It's a sunny day in Boston and I've started thinking about the fast-approaching Summit for a Healthier America. Every Spring, for the last six years we have traveled to Washington for our largest annual Grassroots Initiative event. As the weather warms and we head into Convention, things start picking up for our advocacy.
This year we have a new spin on things. The name has changed from the Legislative Summit to the Summit for a Healthier America. It is also now part of our Campaign for a Healthier America, which will launch at the IHRSA 2009 Convention on Monday. Keep reading for more.
Spring and Change are in the air. Check out some photos from last year's event.
Created with flickr slideshow.
This year we have a new spin on things. The name has changed from the Legislative Summit to the Summit for a Healthier America. It is also now part of our Campaign for a Healthier America, which will launch at the IHRSA 2009 Convention on Monday. Keep reading for more.
Spring and Change are in the air. Check out some photos from last year's event.
- Breanne McGahey
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
VICTORY! New York Health Club Dues Tax Defeated
New York Governor David Paterson announced just hours ago that he has come to an agreement with legislative leaders to not extend the sales tax to health club membership dues and services. This is a major victory for healthy lifestyles in New York and the health club industry.
Over the last nine weeks, 2,441 fitness professionals and health club members wrote 7,902 messages to legislators in Albany. Many fitness professionals and club companies met personally with legislators to discuss the impact that the tax would have on their members and their businesses. The voices of our advocates for healthy lifestyles were heard loud and clear in Albany!
“This is an incredible victory, especially considering the massive deficit facing New York,“ said Joe Moore, IHRSA President and CEO. “It is a testament to the power of working together. With IHRSA collaborating with concerned fitness professionals, our lobbyist, and the people of New York, we were able to highlight the inconsistent messaging of an "obesity" tax on sodas and a "healthy lifestyle tax" on preventative exercise, and stop this proposal in its tracks.”
Paterson came to an agreement with Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to eliminate $1.3 billion in tax increases included in the proposed 2009-10 Executive Budget. In addition to health club dues and services, clothing under $110, sugared drinks, digital downloads, cable and satellite television, manufacturers’ coupons, haircuts, manicures, concerts, movies, live theatre, bowling, golf, skiing and others were eliminated.
“The proposed tax increases we are eliminating today were only put forward as a last resort when the deficit ballooned to an unprecedented level,” said Paterson in a statement. “Now that enhanced federal funding is available, our highest priority must be to provide targeted relief to those who need it most during this economic crisis – average New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet.”
-Breanne McGahey
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Duke U. New Medical Team - What it's missing
Duke University recently decided to tackle the issue of why more people are seeking treatment in hospital ER's even when they have access to primary care providers. They asked patients two questions: What isn't working for you? and What could we do better? Then they listened. The changes made to the Duke Family Practice Medical Offices, focusing on decreasing waiting time and increasing service, sound great. Patients can interact with the office online, know if they are going to have to wait and how long, but most importantly they created a new type of medical team.
Each team has a physician, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and physicians assistants. It's an interesting concept and one that cold provide tremendous benefits, especially for the patients at most risk in our health care system.
When I was watching the segment on the NBC Nightly News, I was struck by the forward thinking of the changes but also I couldn't help but wonder, what if the teams also had nutritionists and personal trainers? If these teams could help people actually implement lifestyle changes it could make them healthier, and as a result, require less medical care.
The clip showed a patient who was overweight. The doctor was listening to her carotid artery and another member of the team was reminding her to skip the salt on food. The woman likely has cardiovascular issues. The team approach will probably help her but imagine the difference if there were a nutritionist that could show her proper portion sizes, what kinds of foods to purchase at the grocery store and how to cook delicious and healthy recipes. Now imagine that there were a personal trainer that could show this woman simple ways to to start building exercise into her life. Helping her learn how to strength train and start a cardio regimen. The results would be far beyond what a reminder to pass on the salt could ever bring about.
There are stories all the time about people whose doctors tell them they need to eat better and exercise. Somewhere between the doctor's office and the patients home that advice falls short. Many people simply don't know how to change their habits to lead a healthier life. It's not their fault, but they don't know where to gain that knowledge. If the medical community took steps to build a bridge between what patients are doing and what they should be doing, there could be an incredible change in the health of our nation. There is a role here for the fitness industry and it's up to the passionate people in this community to make it a reality.
- Breanne McGahey
Each team has a physician, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and physicians assistants. It's an interesting concept and one that cold provide tremendous benefits, especially for the patients at most risk in our health care system.
When I was watching the segment on the NBC Nightly News, I was struck by the forward thinking of the changes but also I couldn't help but wonder, what if the teams also had nutritionists and personal trainers? If these teams could help people actually implement lifestyle changes it could make them healthier, and as a result, require less medical care.
The clip showed a patient who was overweight. The doctor was listening to her carotid artery and another member of the team was reminding her to skip the salt on food. The woman likely has cardiovascular issues. The team approach will probably help her but imagine the difference if there were a nutritionist that could show her proper portion sizes, what kinds of foods to purchase at the grocery store and how to cook delicious and healthy recipes. Now imagine that there were a personal trainer that could show this woman simple ways to to start building exercise into her life. Helping her learn how to strength train and start a cardio regimen. The results would be far beyond what a reminder to pass on the salt could ever bring about.
There are stories all the time about people whose doctors tell them they need to eat better and exercise. Somewhere between the doctor's office and the patients home that advice falls short. Many people simply don't know how to change their habits to lead a healthier life. It's not their fault, but they don't know where to gain that knowledge. If the medical community took steps to build a bridge between what patients are doing and what they should be doing, there could be an incredible change in the health of our nation. There is a role here for the fitness industry and it's up to the passionate people in this community to make it a reality.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
- Breanne McGahey
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Paterson’s State of the State Hypocrisy
Some casual observers of New York politics may be surprised to hear that Governor David Paterson would tax health clubs, especially given his high profile comments in recent weeks about childhood obesity and the need to get New York healthier. I commend any effort by Paterson that recognizes that the growing waistlines and children and adults is a serious public health issue. He, like the other politicians referenced in Mr. Richard’s post below, are increasing awareness about wellness.
Here is an excerpt from his State of the State address [full text available http://ny.gov/governor/press/press_0107091.html].
“While we have made some progress, we still incentivize the wrong care in the wrong setting at the wrong price. Where we are overpaying for inpatient or institutional care, we must shift funding to primary, preventive and community-based care. Preventing illness is a good investment. It saves taxpayer money, improves patient care, and unburdens our economy.
This is why we should aggressively address the greatest threat to our children’s health today, the epidemic of obesity. One out of every four New Yorkers under 18 years of age is obese.
Childhood obesity causes serious health problems including Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The American Heart Association reports that obese children have blood vessels that look like they belong to 45 year olds. These children have much greater risks of having heart attacks, suffering strokes, and losing limbs.
Obesity not only blights our children’s futures — it creates a significant economic burden on our health care spending. New York spends $6.1 billion each year to treat obesity-related health problems— the second-highest level of spending in the nation.”
He continues on to say: “By protecting our children from obesity, we protect their health and our health care system. That is why this matters.“
Bravo Governor. Well said. Now the praise stops here.
I cannot wrap my head around hearing this rhetoric then reading his proposed Executive Budget that calls for a tax on health club dues. It counters everything he said in his own speech about obesity-related health problems and our health care system. While there is clearly a massive budget deficit that must be resolved, it cannot be done on the backs of New Yorkers who are taking initiative to lead healthy lifestyles by exercising at a fitness facility. Sure, there are plenty of other services being targeted but health clubs should not be included among them.
It’s like taxing someone’s annual check-up at their physicians. You don’t discourage healthy habits, especially those that create significant long-term cost savings. Paterson himself acknowledges that taxing a behavior can discourage it. That is exactly why he included his so-called “obesity tax” on sugary, non-diet sodas in his budget. [Check out page 28 - http://publications.budget.state.ny.us/eBudget0910/2009-10ExecutiveBudgetPresentation.pdf]
The hypocrisy is off the charts. As people that believe in healthy lifestyles, we need to speak out loudly and together against this attack on healthy lifestyles. Today IHRSA launched its first Grassroots Initiative campaign of 2009. We sent out a call to action for fitness professionals across the Empire State to voice their opposition. This needs to be stopped.
If you don’t live in New York, watch out. Similar legislation is coming down the pike in a number of other states…
- Breanne McGahey
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Sanjay Gupta as the new Surgeon General?
As reported in today's issue of Capitol Report, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a practicing neurosurgeon and chief medical correspondent for CNN, is rumored to be the Obama Administration's top choice for Surgeon General. His appointment could be good for the fitness industry. He's a supporter of healthy lifestyles and helped to bring the issue to millions of American's through the 2008 Fit Nation series. Having someone in public health who is a proponent of exercise in a prominent public office is almost always a good thing.
Since the news broke yesterday, blogs across the web have been taking up the idea of a CNN correspondent in such a high profile government position. The New York Times Well Blog had a great round-up of some of the commentary. My favorite of the bunch: “Public health needs a rock star.” It comes from the Technology, Health & Development blog. The author makes a great point that "rock stars" such as Bono, Bill Gates and Bill Clinton have helped to shed light on the global health crisis. Maybe Dr. Gupta could do the same for public health issues here in the US while building bridges between government policy, global initiatives, and the average American.
In terms of connecting with the average American, I don't think you could do much better. He's known by the millions of people who watch CNN and CBS. To put it in simple terms, he's got street cred. Given all of the years, effort and funds that have been channeled towards public health maybe we need someone like Dr. Gupta to really help move people towards making the hard changes neccessary to break the bad (but oh so easy to pick up) habits that hinder so many from leading a healthy lifestyle. On that same level, I think having the American public witness President-Elect Obama's regular gym visits will also raise the profile of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.
There are clearly many changes on the horizon in Washington. Maybe a new public health rock star will be one of them.
- Breanne McGahey
Since the news broke yesterday, blogs across the web have been taking up the idea of a CNN correspondent in such a high profile government position. The New York Times Well Blog had a great round-up of some of the commentary. My favorite of the bunch: “Public health needs a rock star.” It comes from the Technology, Health & Development blog. The author makes a great point that "rock stars" such as Bono, Bill Gates and Bill Clinton have helped to shed light on the global health crisis. Maybe Dr. Gupta could do the same for public health issues here in the US while building bridges between government policy, global initiatives, and the average American.
In terms of connecting with the average American, I don't think you could do much better. He's known by the millions of people who watch CNN and CBS. To put it in simple terms, he's got street cred. Given all of the years, effort and funds that have been channeled towards public health maybe we need someone like Dr. Gupta to really help move people towards making the hard changes neccessary to break the bad (but oh so easy to pick up) habits that hinder so many from leading a healthy lifestyle. On that same level, I think having the American public witness President-Elect Obama's regular gym visits will also raise the profile of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.
There are clearly many changes on the horizon in Washington. Maybe a new public health rock star will be one of them.
- Breanne McGahey
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)