A recent poll shows that a majority of people aren’t aware that over half of all Americans are affected by a chronic disease or of the economic impact it has in our country.

When thinking about illnesses that impact a person’s health, we often think of common ones such as a cold. For most people, the symptoms and illnesses are typically infrequent and inexpensive to treat. However, what financial burden do Americans experience when they have an illness for an extended period of time? What is the associated cost to manage an illness whose symptoms might come and go for years, requiring constant treatment? 

The majority of Americans are aware that the term “chronic disease” includes conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma and mental health illnesses. However, few are cognizant of the sheer number of people affected by these diseases. In a poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, participants were questioned about their knowledge of people living with chronic diseases. Of the participants, only 29 percent were correct to assume that “more than half” of all Americans currently live with a chronic disease. In addition, a majority of the participants were unaware that “more than three-quarters” of the U.S. healthcare budget is spent treating chronic diseases.

With this data, it’s apparent that most Americans have an inaccurate idea of the effect chronic diseases have on the people of our nation. To uncover the true impact, we’ll look at the three most prevalent chronic diseases within the United States: cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease.  

Cardiovascular Disease 

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has, for many decades, remained the number one killer of Americans. CVD continues to be an issue in our nation, largely due to the growing obesity epidemic, poor diet and a rise in Type 2 diabetes. The disease itself represents several chronic conditions related to the heart and blood vessels such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation and stroke. In the United States, over 102.7 million people have at least one of these conditions. Its projected that by 2035, that number will rise to 131.2 million, which will represent about 45 percent of the total U.S population.  

Not only is CVD pervasive, it’s costly. Expenses regarding this disease include medical services via a physician, hospital and/or healthcare system. It also represents corresponding costs such as prescription drugs, home health or nursing home care. With its wide-spread impact in America, cardiovascular disease totaled $555 billion in 2016, making it the most expensive disease to treat. 

Diabetes 

Diabetes is not only a major chronic disease, but is also a contributing factor to the rising number of CVD victims. In America, 30.3 million people live with this disease, in addition to 84.1 million prediabetic adults. Individually, it’s estimated that diagnosed diabetics have medical expenditures 2.3 times higher than those without. In 2017 the national estimated cost of diagnosed patients was $327 billion. This total included $237 billion in direct medical costs and $90 billion in indirect costs such as absenteeism and reduced productivity. Overall, diabetes has increased economic costs by 26 percent within the past five years.  

A contributing issue to both cardiovascular disease and diabetes is the rising epidemic of obesity among Americans. In 2017, the prevalence of adult obesity was greater than 20 percent across every state and over 30 percent in the South and Midwest regions. 

Chronic Respiratory Disease 

As for chronic respiratory disease, three-quarters of the Kaiser Family Foundation’s poll participants were aware that asthma is a chronic disease. However, asthma is only one of the chronic conditions that obstruct airflow and breathing. Chronic respiratory disease is a general term used to group diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Of these, COPD is the third most common cause of death in the U.S. It’s understood that over 12 million Americans have COPD, but up to 24 million have relatively impaired lung function.  

The primary risk factor is smoking, but also includes occupational dust and chemicals, air pollution and family medical history. For many individuals with progressive COPD, end stages include worsening respiratory symptoms that limit the patient’s ability to perform daily tasks or even rest without exacerbation. The cost of this disease can add up quickly, often causing 1 in 5 hospitalized patients to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of their release.  

Together, these three chronic diseases make up the nation’s top killers and consume a vast portion of the healthcare budget each year. Without innovative treatment, goals and intervention plans, these diseases will continue to burden the economic climate and reduce patient’s quality of life. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated a Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) like these we’ve discussed. The targets of this initiative include: 

1. Reduce deaths from NCDs by 25 percent before 2025
2. Reduce the prevalence of tobacco use in individuals older than 15 years-of-age by 30 percent 
3. Reduce the prevalence of insufficient physical activity by 10 percent.  

These are just a handful of target goals that can improve lives and limit the negative impact of chronic diseases in America. What can you do to improve these conditions? If you are a Health Insurance Broker or Benefits Agent interested in providing unlimited chronic disease management for the three diseases listed above, give Healthcare2U a call today.

The New Year is approaching, prompting declarations and New Year’s resolutions from the masses. Although many people don’t bother with New Year’s resolutions, most of us promise ourselves – with good intentions – that we will eat healthier, get more exercise or save more money. But, unsurprisingly, four out of the five people who make New Year’s resolutions end up breaking them. One-third of those people won’t even make it to the end of January before slipping back into comfortable habits. If you are determined to stick to your guns this year, you can tackle your resolutions with these helpful tips.

1. Create the right resolution – Use the SMART Goal process to help you make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Don’t allow your goals to be vague or unclear. If you truly want to accomplish them then you need a clear idea of how success will be measured in the end. For example: if you want to save more money this year, set a specific amount you’d like to see in your savings account by the end of the year. 

2. Make a plan – Since change isn’t immediate, make sure you have a step-by-step process on how to achieve your resolutions. If you’re trying to form or break a routine, look at the three ingredients of a habit by Charles Duhigg. He describes these as the cue, the routine and the reward. For example:

Bad habit: I check Instagram too often.

Cue: I feel bored. 

Routine: I check Instagram. 

Reward: I am entertained.  

Way to change the behavior: Instead of checking Instagram, try talking to colleagues or peers around you when you’re bored. You can also think of what you’d like to accomplish or do more of – like reading books, working out, or spending time with family. Every time you feel that cue, consciously act on whatever you’re trying to accomplish.  

3. Conquer your obstacles – It’s probable you will encounter obstacles as you work towards your resolutions. Be realistic and proactive by thinking through the potential difficulties before you begin. How will you stay positive if you don’t see results right away? What do you do if progress diminishes? Find the answer to questions like these and you’ll be more inclined to overcome the complications when they occur! 

4. Find accountability– Confide in others about what you’re trying to accomplish – you don’t have to do this alone! If your friends have similar goals, hold each other accountable as you work towards them together. Even verbally stating your goal to others will make you more inclined to commit and accomplish them. Make a reminder to yourself to check back in on your progress at a specific point in the year. This gives you the opportunity to correct any poor behaviors that may have allowed you to slip back into your old habits before it’s too late.  

Keeping your New Year’s resolution is not for the faint of heart! It takes hard work and dedication to make a resolution into your reality. If you fail at this year’s resolution, don’t allow negative thoughts to ruin your determination. You can always try again without having to wait for New Year’s.  

Healthcare2U wishes you and your family a happy and healthy New Year!  

As the earth tilts the Northern Hemisphere farther away from the sun, we experience less daylight and chilly weather – encouraging us to stay indoors and allowing our appetites to indulge in rich seasonal meals. According to studies, people tend to gain weight during the winter months due to several potential factors such as survival instincts, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and holiday culture. If you notice that your habits are influenced by the season, know that your health and wellness doesn’t have to suffer. By incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet and a few at-home workouts into your schedule, you can keep your body healthy this season.

Fruits and Vegetables

Even though heavy comfort foods are typical during winter months, there are fruits and vegetables in season at your local grocery store that you can incorporate into your diet. By using the following fresh produce, you can cook healthier versions of your favorite comfort dishes, saving yourself from excess carbs and calories.

• Beets
• Brussel sprouts
• Cabbage
• Carrot
• Cauliflower
• Collard greens
• Date plums
• Dates
• Grapefruit
• Kale
• Kiwifruit
• Mandarin oranges
• Oranges
• Papaya
• Passion fruit
• Pear
• Pomegranate
• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Tangerines
• Turnips
• Winter squash

Not only does produce present healthier options, but it also provides your body with vitamins and nutrients that can help you fight Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The omega-3 fatty acids, folate and various vitamins found in brussel sprouts, kale, cauliflower, and winter squash can fight seasonal depression symptoms. Since the body doesn’t naturally produce omega-3 fatty acids, it’s important that you substitute them into your diet.

If you are looking for antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins – you can incorporate citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines. The soluble fiber is 60-70 percent of the fruit and lowers cholesterol while preventing blood sugar spikes. The fruit’s remaining insoluble fiber prevents constipation and promotes healthy digestive waste. Citrus is also an excellent source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C has many roles in the body such as assisting collagen production, immune support and the absorption of iron. It also prevents damage from free radicals, provides elasticity to the skin, reduces inflammation and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Of this list, kale has the most amount of vitamin C, with one cup containing 4.5 times more than an orange!

At-Home Workouts

Cold weather and less daylight often mean fewer outdoor activities. If long runs or walks were once part of your workout routine, winter could leave you looking for an alternative. Let’s not forget that our bodies can be just as beneficial as a great piece of equipment when exercised correctly. If you are staying indoors this season, it’s time to get creative and try out a few movements that can keep you active and healthy. Take a look at these 53 ways to move your body which can all be done within the space of a yoga mat.

Don’t assume that because you aren’t in a gym, you aren’t improving your health. Bodyweight exercises provide great benefits to a body’s overall health. They are natural movements that use additional muscles to stabilize yourself where a machine would not. They’re also incredibly functional for your body, allowing you to build muscles that will help you in your daily life.

This season is a great opportunity to get creative and try new things. So, mix up your winter meals with a few new veggies and dedicate yourself to a 30-minute at-home exercise a few times a week. Unlike past behavior, your wellness isn’t hibernating this year!

A new study shows that after years of modestly-growing premiums, 2017 brought a sharp price hike – increasing the economic strain on many Americans.

The study from The Commonwealth Fund shows that beginning in 2017, employees started to spend a larger percentage of their income on employer-sponsored healthcare. For example, the 2017 average employee premium contribution for single and family health plans consumed nearly seven percent of the median income, while wages remained fairly stagnant. From 2016 to 2017, median wages grew only 0.2 percent. 

Across the nation employee contributions vary greatly but, between 2016 and 2017, the average employee premium contribution rose 6.8 percent for individual plans and 5.3 percent for family plans. For single policyholders, the lowest deductible was found in Hawaii at $836 while the highest was tied between Maine and New Hampshire around $2,300.  

These facts and figures led Sara Collins, Vice President of Health Care Coverage and Access at The Commonwealth Fund, to predict, “People with low and moderate incomes may simply decide to go without insurance if it competes with other critical living expenses like housing, food and education.” 

With these startling statistics, how can producers provide benefits that promote affordable and convenient healthcare for employees across the nation? The answer is simple: it’s time to get creative with your portfolio and smart about which products and services you promote to clients. Research services that provide a return on investment. For example, Direct Primary Care (DPC) through Healthcare2U is a monthly membership that shields an employer’s health plan from claims, containing healthcare spend. 

As a membership, Heathcare2U empowers employers by offloading claims from their health plan towards DPC services within Healthcare2U clinics, such as unlimited primary care, same or next-day treatment for acute illnesses, and unlimited chronic disease management. With the nation’s fastest-growing, integrated DPC network, members are encouraged to build positive patient-physician relationships to offset future healthcare costs for both the member and their employer.  

As one of the largest foundations in the world, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) funded nearly 300 scientists from 2018 to 2019. The research conducted by these past, current and future grantees will create opportunities, solutions and breakthroughs for breast cancer patients. Thanks to the research on this disease, there are more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S and deaths from breast cancer have declined by 40 percent over the last 25 years.

A Legacy of Breakthroughs

In 1999, BCRF discovered that the drug Tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen drug, could be used to treat early and advanced stages of the disease to reduce the incidence of breast cancer by about 30%. Four years later, they identified cancer stem cells in breast cancer to help prevent progression and metastasis. In 2012, a new drug Perjeta was approved to be used in combination with other medication and chemotherapy to improve the overall survival of metastatic breast cancer from the average of 40 months to 56 Imonths.

TAILORx Trial: Avoiding Chemotherapy in Early Stages of the Disease  

In 2018, after 10 years of research, the ‘TAILORx trial’ confirmed that most patients with early stage ER-positive breast cancer (which is nearly 60,000 patients per year), can skip chemotherapy. By determining an Oncotype DX® Recurrence Score® through 21 genes from a tumor biopsy, patients are assigned a Reoccurrence Score (RS) of 1-100. The RS indicates the likelihood of the cancer returning and determines the risk of recurrence in newly diagnosed patients while in the early stages of the disease.

The study included more than 10,000 women across 6 countries with ER-positive, HER2-negative, node negative breast cancer. The women with a low RS  (RS of 1-10) were treated with hormone therapy alone, and the women with a high-risk of recurrence (RS greater than 26) were treated with a combination of hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

Of the total study participants, 70 percent were in an intermediate group with a RS of 11-25. In this group, participants were randomized to receive either hormone therapy and chemotherapy, or hormone therapy alone. The objective was to determine whether the addition of chemotherapy improved disease-free survival for this group of women.

After seven and a half years of follow up, the trial concluded that hormone treatment, alone, was as effective in providing distant recurrence and overall survival as the patients that received hormone therapy plus chemotherapy.

This is a breakthrough in breast cancer research because withholding or postponing the effects of chemotherapy treatment can improve a woman’s treatment plan, quality of life and spirit. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation continues to focus efforts on improving outcomes and advancements in personalized therapy. While there currently is no cure for this disease, the results of this research trial will provide hope to many women diagnosed in the future.

**Content updated May 7, 2021