The American Health Concerns - Essay Example

The American Health Concerns Over the years, American health concerns have been deteriorating with each passing day. A number of American citizens have reported citing delayed medical care from health facilities. In the year 2007, it was reported in a research done by Gallup, where many American citizens were not getting or got delayed medical care. Back in the year 2003, the same research had been conducted which revealed that one in seven American citizen got a delayed or no attention. This is a significant percent increase over a short period. There are many causes of this deterioration as various studies have shown. The number of citizens who reported being an attended to while seeking medical services is staggering. However, the concern is largely the number of medical cases that are rising. Medical conditions and other diseases that were alien to the American society are now here with us. Every day there is a recorded increase of new diseases and the number continue to increase. In Colorado, for example, obesity, which is an enormous health concern, continues to escalate. In estimation, the percentage of those considered being obese is 20 percent. In Mississippi, the percentage is unusually high, going up to 34.9 percent. Nationally, the adult population considered being obese is 27.8 percent, which is a growing number. This revelation brings us to the conclusion that one in every four American is obese which calculated nationally amounts to around 66 million adults (Judith & Numbers 12). This is a worrying health concern in the health sector. It is perceived to be the greatest health threat in the US. Obese contributes largely to the growing number of life-threatening diseases like, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers. Research has shown that obese leads in cases of some avoidable death, in the United States. There are various causes of the rising causes of obese in the society that have been cited by medical personnel and research institutions. The contributing factors are unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise. Obese occurs when someone consumes in more calories than one can burn them (Judith & Numbers 14). This is prompted by unhealthy diets that are in high concentration of calories, intake of high-calorie drinks, skipping breakfast, and going for fast food, which always have a high concentration of fat. These are purely the responsibility of the citizen. It is the responsibility of the individual citizen to take care of the personal health. It is not the responsibility of the medical field, the government or the corporate American that shares the blame. It has been noted with serious concern that many Americans are physically inactive, spending many hours watching TV or with computers for leisure activities, doing school work, or working from the computer (Judith & Numbers 17). Choosing to drive short distances instead of walking is another contributing factor. Modern technology, which minimizes physical demands, can also be a massive factor. The individual should carry the blame, although not in all health cases. There are other significant health issues that the government should take the blame. Quite a sizeable number of the United States citizens have complained the failure of the government, in ensuring proper and effective medical checkup (Judith & Numbers 19). Some citizens have reported going to hospital, for medical attention, only to go back home an attended mainly due to insufficient medical personnel, or pure negligence from doctors. The government has also failed in public health initiative that is aimed at improving and protecting the general health. The public health initiative should be carried out through promotion of improved healthy lifestyle, extensive research for diseases and prevention. A lot of unregulated food supplements have found their way in the market, and it is my observation that this is a failure by the government to protect public health (Judith & Numbers 20). Many of these quick foods contain chemicals that contribute to the emerging trend of heart diseases and some cancers as studies have shown. There is always a new report of escalating concerns about the growing cost of health care. This is brought about by the increase of health cases in recent years. The government should do more in implementing educational programs and regulating health systems (Judith & Numbers 21). Educational programs are vital and require full implementation to the grass root level to bring awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. These educational programs encourage and educate people on how to make healthy choices hence promoting a healthy lifestyle that will consequently yield to a healthy nation. If the government would take its part in ensuring good health for is citizens, this blame would be off from its shoulders (Judith & Numbers 23). Solutions to the American Citizens Deteriorating Health There should be a serious and a collective effort by the state and the public to recover public health. The first step from the government should be to stop the sale of food products that contribute to the deteriorating health of the citizens. Genetically modified foods should also be taken out of the market for scientific studies have shown that they contribute in some cancers and heart diseases. The government should regulate every food processing firm or hotel to make sure that the public do not consume unhealthy foods. On the other hand, the public should take responsibility by embracing a healthy lifestyle. There are preventable diseases like obesity that the public can help reduce immensely. Extensive public education on the dangers of processed food should also be carried out (Judith & Numbers 23). Conclusion In this discussion, I have highlighted fundamental reasons that guide us on the one to apportion blame regarding the American deteriorating health problem. The public, medical personnel and the government should work together towards a healthy America. To achieve the goal of having a healthy society, everyone must play the part. It is a communal effort that if well effected can yield the determination of everyone’s desire. Unhealthy eating diet as a main contributor should be addressed extensively through public awareness programs. Works Cited Leavitt, Judith W, and Ronald L. Numbers. Sickness and Health in America: Readings in the History of Medicine and Public Health. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1997. Print. Read More