The increasingly formidable problem of chronic disease presents a serious challenge to the infrastructure of our healthcare system. As with most problems, I feel it is important to consider the source. In this case, we know that the incidence of chronic disease has been and is currently increasing beyond projected rates when controlling for population growth. This should plainly indicate that something is very amiss. Now, if we consider the types of diseases we are looking at (most commonly diabetes, obesity, and chronic infections that are usually a result of bad medical care), we can deduce that, based on the biological mechanisms of these diseases, there is most likely some kind of human behavior that is liable for the elevated rates of these conditions. In the case of diabetes and obesity, I am of course referring to the decline in physical activity we see in so many children, and the unhealthy (to use a very mild term) diet that is far too common for so much of the population.
I feel there is no doubt that preventive measures would decrease the rates of these diseases, but that leads us to another question; how many people are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to prevent these chronic diseases? Even when people have the knowledge that undeniably shows that they will become obese if they eat 5000 calories a day and spend 49 consecutive hours in front of the television with remote-clicking and weight-shifting as their only form of physical activity, studies show that not everyone will take up celery sticks and even a moderate exercise regimen to save their lives (literally, almost). Are these the statistical cliches that "fall through the cracks" no matter what? Should we just let it go and try to find a cure instead? Do we abolish all fast food? Is that ethical? Is that more or less ethical than developing chronic disease and causing "greater health spending, but also a greater burden on our health care workforce?" Prevention seems to be the immediate solution, but perhaps some modification of healthcare infrastructure, attitudes, and cultural norms could also be helpful.
I feel there is no doubt that preventive measures would decrease the rates of these diseases, but that leads us to another question; how many people are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to prevent these chronic diseases? Even when people have the knowledge that undeniably shows that they will become obese if they eat 5000 calories a day and spend 49 consecutive hours in front of the television with remote-clicking and weight-shifting as their only form of physical activity, studies show that not everyone will take up celery sticks and even a moderate exercise regimen to save their lives (literally, almost). Are these the statistical cliches that "fall through the cracks" no matter what? Should we just let it go and try to find a cure instead? Do we abolish all fast food? Is that ethical? Is that more or less ethical than developing chronic disease and causing "greater health spending, but also a greater burden on our health care workforce?" Prevention seems to be the immediate solution, but perhaps some modification of healthcare infrastructure, attitudes, and cultural norms could also be helpful.
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