Cost of chronic illness will break healthcare system

If people do not change their ways, healthcare will become the largest segment of the economy, estimated to reach $4.2 trillion, in three years (2015).

It will severely impact the quality of life for all Americans as it drains the federal budget of funds needed for other services.

As the cost of healthcare rises, individuals and employers alike will bear the burden not only in larger deductions, co-payments and cost of prescriptions, but in funding the rest of the system.

Baby boomers are the most obese generation ever. One-third struggle with being overweight or obese.

Baby boomers aren’t the only ones. One in three children and adolescents are overweight or obese.

Unhealthy weight gain is responsible for 300,000 deaths annually with the cost to society estimated at nearly $100 billion.

Obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise lead to the budget-busting chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

“We need to counter these trends,” said Laurie Rood, a local business woman who knows what she’s talking about since she sells health insurance to employers and individuals alike.

To do something about it, Rood founded the nonprofit Optimum Health For Life, which is producing the all-day event, “To Your Health: Taking our health into our own hands,” May 2nd.

To Your Health: Taking our health into our own hands

WHO: Optimum Health For Life, a nonprofit dedicated to people staying healthy individually and through local employers helping their employees stay healthy.

WHAT: To Your Health: the first annual, all-day health event with:
Dr. Shawn Hayes, Dr. Mehmet Oz’s HealthCorps Chief Academic and Research Officer, on having a healthy workforce,
Dr. Lynn Bagge, Kaiser Permanente Chief of Pediatrics, on avoiding chronic illness such as diabetes,
Insight host Beth Ruyak, on being your own health advocate,
Good Day Sacramento’s Tina Macuha on surviving cancer and controlling fear,
Plus other speakers and exhibitors.

WHEN: May 2, 2012, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa
1220 Arden Hills Lane
Sacramento CA 95864

COST: $25 per person. The day’s activities include speakers, continental breakfast, lunch and 30+ exhibitors. Event proceeds go to Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation, HealthCorps, WEAVE, Inc.

For more information on the event, go to http://Optimumhealth4life.org.

In January, 2000, broker-consultant Laurie Rood formed Rood & Dax Advanced Insurance Services to analyze, implement and administer personal health insurance and employee benefit plans. For more information, go to http://benefitsdoneright.net.