PREVENTION AND THE GOVERNOR'S HEALTH PLAN

In Response to California Plan for Health Care Would Cover All (published January 9, 2007, New York Times)

To the Editor:

Lost in the coverage of the political maneuvering and analysis of potential winners and losers in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s health care plan for California was the emphasis he placed on prevention.

In order for health care to be sustainable, the demand for services needs to be reduced. In addition to expanding access, there needs to be a focus on prevention and making it easier to get healthier.

This is possible if attention is paid to what is making people sick and intervening early. It’s great if children grow up having access to affordable medical services, but it’s better if they’re going for a checkup instead of surgery.

The governor’s plan includes recommendations about prevention — in particular, improving nutrition and physical activity — that should be publicized and put into effect.

Jeremy Cantor
Prevention Institute

(published January 14, 2007, New York Times)

Read Prevention Institute's response to Gov. Schwarzenegger's Health Proposal.

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Putting Prevention at the Center of Community Well Being
www.PreventionInstitute.org