“Wellness and prevention programs have become a mainstream part of the benefits offered by large employers, and it’s virtually certain that Congress will include incentives for such programs.”  Frank B. McArdle

How do you feel about politics?

“Look!” he said. “If they can accomplish this when they have just begun to take advantage of their common language and political unity, just think of what they will do later. Nothing will be impossible for them!  (Gen. 11:6: NLT)

I try to steer our DG’s away from political issues as much as I can.  It’s not that I’m apolitical, nor that I’m afraid of controversy, but I see no reason to segment our readership over issues that have little or no direct bearing on the topics we are writing about.  Sharon and I have strong political preferences, but we choose not to try to convince you of the wisdom of our choices.    After all, the winds of politics are much like the weather — if you don’t like what’s happening, just wait a day or two.  The only sure thing is that it will be different tomorrow than it was today.

But in spite of that avoidance of all things political, I did run across a political article that really excites me.  The New York Times published an article just yesterday with a headline that reads, “Congress Plans Incentives for Healthy Habits.”  I’ve included the article as today’s link.  Being in the wellness industry for lo these many years, it has always bothered us that our economic structure was set up to promote a sickness industry rather than motivate wellness.  By that I mean, the out-of-pocket expense to go to the doctor or the emergency room to get “fixed” always appeared to be significantly less than to proactively stay well in the first place.

The NYT article makes it clear that there are now voices from both sides of the aisle that are waking up to the fact that it’s always better (and cheaper) to stay well, and finally acknowledging that most of our major illnesses are life-style related rather than caused by germs.  After all, you don’t “catch” cancer, and you don’t “catch” heart illness nor diabetes.  You earn them.  Indeed, it’s highly possible that some issues, such as swine flu are “caught,” but the most effective defense against those kinds of maladies is always going to be a healthy immune system rather than the latest and greatest vaccine with all its attendant risks.

As the article points out, we’ve dug a pretty deep hole and it’s not going to be easy to just climb out.  There’s going to have to be a lot of sacred cows slain and a lot of pet oxen gored, but at least it’s now being talked about by more than just us “health nuts.”

We would love to have you share your view on this issue in the comment box below.

Prayer Power
Father, we thank You for the incomprehensible design of our bodies that provides the perfect defense from and repair of virtually all of our diseases.  Forgive us for thinking we have found a “better idea.”

Link of the Day
Congress Plans Incentives for Healthy Habits

Blessings on you as you continue your own personal quest for proactive wellness.