Should Insurance Pay for Exercise Programs?

We are all aware of the health care situation our nation is facing.  We also know that the government would like to have us purchase mandatory insurance.  I got to thinking about this.  They want us to have health insurance, to take care of existing health issues, as well as health issues to come - after all, we are paying out a staggering 2.5 Trillion Dollars in health care per year. 

My first thought was, instead of thinking about how much more we are going to be paying, why not think about what we can do to lower the cost.  The thing that came to mind was diet and lifestyle.  The reason we are in the state we are in, is because of what we have done to ourselves over the many decades.   And it keeps getting worse.  

In order to motivate people to start taking health into their own hands, overcoming disease,  getting healthier, etc, Insurance could pay for exercise programs such as gym memberships, physical activity programs, and medical nutrition therapy (training that includes blood glucose management, nutrition, physical activity and preventing and treating complications of diabetes). Corporations could put workshops into play to educate their employees on how to live healthier lives, possibly installing a small gym. The insurance companies would give discounts to those who are participating in these events, give drastic cuts to employers, or even pay for them. 

It's obvious that many have gotten on the exercise and diet bandwagon to better their health and lose weight and that in itself speaks volumes.  But to have to purchase mandatory insurance when nobody is doing anything to help themselves, and depending solely on the medical establishment to get them well, says nothing about trying to make it better and in the end, is only going to wind up costing us trillions more per year.

So what's your opinion? I feel  that mandatory insurance  is ridiculous. There are many who are unemployed right now who could never afford it in the first place. A full family to be covered exceeds $800.00 per month for basic coverage.  My opinion?  Start educating yourself, make drastic changes in diet and lifestyle.  Insurance wont be necessary, and the cost of health care will have to go down.  Sounds like a plan to me!


Want ideas on how to better your health?  contact me at coachrobin@befitandwellnow.com, and watch for local workshops coming up!
To your health!
Robin


www.befitandwellnow.com for some great exercise DVD programs!