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Electronic Letters to:

Robert J. Blendon, Kelly Hunt, John M. Benson, Channtal Fleischfresser, and Tami Buhr Understanding The American Public’s Health Priorities: A 2006 Perspective Health Affairs, November/December 2006; 25(6): w508-w515. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Reprints & Permissions]

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Electronic letters published:

The Contribution of Lifestyle Factors to the Cost of Health Care

Randell K. Wexler MD, MPH, FAAFP   ( 17 October 2006 )

The Contribution of Lifestyle Factors to the Cost of Health Care 17 October 2006
Randell K. Wexler MD, MPH, FAAFP, Physician The Ohio State University Send letter to journal: Re: The Contribution of Lifestyle Factors to the Cost of Health Care randy.wexler{at}osumc.edu Randell K. Wexler MD, MPH, FAAFP	As the country continues to debate which changes are needed in the U.S. health care system, information such as that presented by Blendon et al. is essential. However, there is a large disconnect between what the public desires (lower-priced health care) and the role that they as a health care consumer contribute to this problem. In the United States, 48.2% of deaths are due to modifiable risk factors: tobacco, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and alcohol.[1] According to the American Cancer Society, 30% of all cancer deaths are due to smoking, and one-third of all cancer deaths are due to poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, obesity, or other lifestyle factors.[2] However, only 13% of Americans feel that not doing enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle is responsible for the high cost of health care.[3] To date, policymakers, physicians, and others have lacked the will to introduce personal responsibility into the debate regarding health care costs. It would seem reasonable to assume that this has not occurred for a number of self-serving reasons. We can no longer continue to “debate” the cost of health care without introducing the concept of personal responsibility. Until this happens, we will not accomplish the goal of controlling the cost of health care in the United States. SOURCES 1. Mokdad AH, Marks JS, Stroup DF, Gerberding JL. Actual causes of death in the United States, 2000. JAMA. 2004;291:1238-1245 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, The burden of chronic diseases and their risk factors: National and State Perspectives 2004, available at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/burdenbook2004. 3. New Models National Brand Poll. Conducted by the Winston Group. August 31-September 1, 2005.