As you are probably well aware, the cost of health care and health insurance premiums continue to rise at levels substantially above the general rate of inflation. The reasons given for these extraordinary cost increases are numerous and include: technological advances in the medical field, increased demand for medical services and prescription drugs, an aging population, cost shifting caused by government reimbursement rates and no insurance, state and federal mandates and costs associated with medical claims.
As individual consumers, we have very little control over some of the factors that contribute to the cost of health care. However, we all have control over lifestyle-related health insurance claims. A simple formula of eating a balanced diet, getting the right amount of daily exercise, participating in annual physicals and other recommended routine care, limiting alcohol consumption, and eliminating the use of tobacco products will certainly lower our health care costs staff. In addition to lower medical costs, the other benefits of following this formula include more energy, self-confidence, less stress, and increased productivity. If you’re not already doing so, I encourage you to consider practical ways to promote a healthy lifestyle for you and your family. For example, one of the individual health insurance companies my organization works with has an option that will offset 25% of the annual cost of a gym membership. Simple things like walking, biking, or swimming promote a healthy body and mind. If you like sweets, consider limiting yourself to dessert once a week. You will enjoy it more and your body will thank you.
Health insurance premiums will continue to rise as the cost of health care continues to rise. The best way to reduce the total cost of health care is to decrease our need for health care. Healthy lifestyle choices and judicious use of the health care system are the best and easiest ways to control our health care spending. Perhaps the greatest benefit of a healthy lifestyle is our ability to fully enjoy our precious time here on earth.