| Vrtis, M.C. The State of Our Health: A Look at the Past and Present. Holistic: Harmonizing Pathways to Wholeness (Spring 2007):16-24. Available at URL: www.holisticjournal.org. |
The State of Our Health: A Look at the Past and Present By Mary C. Vrtis, Ph.D., RN, Reiki Master Teacher, Certified Quantum-Touch® Practitioner |
| Artwork by Mary Vrtis |
In 1970, Americans spent $74.9 billion dollars (in current dollars) on medical care. In 2005,
Americans spent $2.0 trillion dollars on medical care, see figure 1.(1) Americans paid 27 times
more for health care in 2005 than they did in 1970.
Americans spent $2.0 trillion dollars on medical care, see figure 1.(1) Americans paid 27 times
more for health care in 2005 than they did in 1970.
The U.S. population increased by 48.2
percent over the past 35 years, but the
cost of health care increased by
2,553.8 percent during that time.(2,3)
So, population increases do not
account for the dramatic increase in
health care costs, see figure 2.
percent over the past 35 years, but the
cost of health care increased by
2,553.8 percent during that time.(2,3)
So, population increases do not
account for the dramatic increase in
health care costs, see figure 2.
Dramatic cost increases actually began in the mid-1960’s when Medicare and Medicaid were
introduced, providing funds to care for the elderly and impoverished Americans. Today it is
anticipated that the Medicare system will soon be bankrupt. Yet, the spending continues and
we are constantly looking for bigger and better. Most of the bigger and better that costs so
much is in the form of high priced diagnostic equipment.
For example, even smaller hospitals have extremely expensive, exceptionally complicated
diagnostic equipment. Magnetic resonance imaging machines (MRI’s) cost approximately $2
million dollars with a monthly maintenance expense of $10,000.00. This does not include the
cost of the special technicians and physicians required.(4)
As would be expected, the high costs have been passed on to individual and third party payers
(private insurance companies, federal and state governments). The cost of health insurance
has also skyrocketed, leaving a lot of employers and individuals unable to bear the expenses.
By 2005, 44.8 million people, 15.3 percent of Americans did not have any form of health
insurance at all.(5) That’s an increase from 32.6 million uninsured Americans in 1988.(6)
When costs go up this dramatically, it is reasonable to expect a return on the dollar. In this
case, the return should be better health for the American tax payers, who foot most of the bill.
So, it is reasonable to ask if American health has increased in proportion to the costs.
So what have we received for our health care dollars? Has the health of Americans improved
proportionately? Well, not quite as much as we’d like to think…
introduced, providing funds to care for the elderly and impoverished Americans. Today it is
anticipated that the Medicare system will soon be bankrupt. Yet, the spending continues and
we are constantly looking for bigger and better. Most of the bigger and better that costs so
much is in the form of high priced diagnostic equipment.
For example, even smaller hospitals have extremely expensive, exceptionally complicated
diagnostic equipment. Magnetic resonance imaging machines (MRI’s) cost approximately $2
million dollars with a monthly maintenance expense of $10,000.00. This does not include the
cost of the special technicians and physicians required.(4)
As would be expected, the high costs have been passed on to individual and third party payers
(private insurance companies, federal and state governments). The cost of health insurance
has also skyrocketed, leaving a lot of employers and individuals unable to bear the expenses.
By 2005, 44.8 million people, 15.3 percent of Americans did not have any form of health
insurance at all.(5) That’s an increase from 32.6 million uninsured Americans in 1988.(6)
When costs go up this dramatically, it is reasonable to expect a return on the dollar. In this
case, the return should be better health for the American tax payers, who foot most of the bill.
So, it is reasonable to ask if American health has increased in proportion to the costs.
So what have we received for our health care dollars? Has the health of Americans improved
proportionately? Well, not quite as much as we’d like to think…
| Life Expectancy |
Life expectancy at birth has improved, rising from 70.8 in 1970 to 77.8 in 2004 – BUT the
United States ranked 26th in life expectancy at birth when compared to thirty six
other countries!
United States ranked 26th in life expectancy at birth when compared to thirty six
other countries!
The life expectancy in Hong Kong was the longest, followed by Japan, Switzerland and Sweden.
Dramatic racial and gender differences still continue in the U.S. White females born in 1970,
with an average life expectancy of 75.6 years were expected to outlive African-American
females by seven years, white men by eight years and African-American men by almost 16
years. For 2004, the latest published data, the average life expectancy of a white female is
80.8, but the African-American female is expected to live only to 76.3 years. Men continue to
have shorter lives, with white men averaging 75.7 years and African-American men averaging
only 69.5 years, see figure 3.(7) Seems like we might still need to do some significant work in
addressing this issue.
Dramatic racial and gender differences still continue in the U.S. White females born in 1970,
with an average life expectancy of 75.6 years were expected to outlive African-American
females by seven years, white men by eight years and African-American men by almost 16
years. For 2004, the latest published data, the average life expectancy of a white female is
80.8, but the African-American female is expected to live only to 76.3 years. Men continue to
have shorter lives, with white men averaging 75.7 years and African-American men averaging
only 69.5 years, see figure 3.(7) Seems like we might still need to do some significant work in
addressing this issue.
| Infant Mortality |
Infant mortality is another area where the United States has seen great improvement, BUT… In
1970, 20 of every 1,000 babies born alive died in infancy. By 2003, the infant mortality rate
had dropped to 6.9. African-American babies, however, are still at very high risk. Whereas the
overall infant mortality rate in the U.S. was 6.9, the African-American infant mortality rate in
2003 was 13.5! See figure 4. In addition, the United States continues to lag behind the rest of
the world. When compared with thirty six other countries, the U.S. ranked 28th in
infant mortality in 2003. Hong Kong, with an infant mortality rate of only 2.3 was followed
by Singapore, Japan and the Czech Republic. Of those thirty six other countries
compared with the U.S., the ONLY country with an infant mortality rate higher
than that for African-Americans was Romania!(7)
1970, 20 of every 1,000 babies born alive died in infancy. By 2003, the infant mortality rate
had dropped to 6.9. African-American babies, however, are still at very high risk. Whereas the
overall infant mortality rate in the U.S. was 6.9, the African-American infant mortality rate in
2003 was 13.5! See figure 4. In addition, the United States continues to lag behind the rest of
the world. When compared with thirty six other countries, the U.S. ranked 28th in
infant mortality in 2003. Hong Kong, with an infant mortality rate of only 2.3 was followed
by Singapore, Japan and the Czech Republic. Of those thirty six other countries
compared with the U.S., the ONLY country with an infant mortality rate higher
than that for African-Americans was Romania!(7)
American infants have a much greater chance of survival when the Mom to be has excellent
nutrition and vitamins, does not smoke or drink, and when prenatal care begins in the first
trimester. Unfortunately, 10.2 percent of pregnant women still smoked in 2004 (that’s down
from 19.5 percent in 1989). And some women do not receive any prenatal care at all (3.0
percent of whites, 6.0 percent of African Americans, 7.6 percent of American Indians, 5.3
percent of Hispanics and 3.1 percent of Asians). Obviously there are some serious socio-
cultural and economic issues that still need to be addressed if we want to even come close to
reducing our infant mortality rates.
nutrition and vitamins, does not smoke or drink, and when prenatal care begins in the first
trimester. Unfortunately, 10.2 percent of pregnant women still smoked in 2004 (that’s down
from 19.5 percent in 1989). And some women do not receive any prenatal care at all (3.0
percent of whites, 6.0 percent of African Americans, 7.6 percent of American Indians, 5.3
percent of Hispanics and 3.1 percent of Asians). Obviously there are some serious socio-
cultural and economic issues that still need to be addressed if we want to even come close to
reducing our infant mortality rates.
| Heart Disease and Risk Behaviors |
Heart disease kills 2400 Americans every day, with an average of one death every thirty six
seconds.(8) Since 1970, the death rate for heart disease has dropped from 492.7 people per
100,000 population to 217.0 in 2004. African Americans have the highest death rates for
heart disease at 280.6 in 2004.(7)
The decreasing mortality rates are due primarily to a conscious effort by individuals to reduce
their personal risk factors for heart disease. Though we are moving in the right direction, we
still have a ways to go.
seconds.(8) Since 1970, the death rate for heart disease has dropped from 492.7 people per
100,000 population to 217.0 in 2004. African Americans have the highest death rates for
heart disease at 280.6 in 2004.(7)
The decreasing mortality rates are due primarily to a conscious effort by individuals to reduce
their personal risk factors for heart disease. Though we are moving in the right direction, we
still have a ways to go.
Obesity: Since 1960-62, the percentage of obese adults has risen from
13 to 34 percent.(7)
Exercise: Only 1/3 of adults over the age of 18 exercise regularly and that
number is decreased to 21 percent for those with low incomes.(7)
Smoking: For adults over the age of 18, 23 percent of men and 19 percent
of women smoke. For high school students, 23 percent smoke.(7)
High blood pressure: In 1988-94, 21.7 percent of Americans had elevated
blood pressure and that number had increased to 25.3 percent by 2004.(7)
Diabetes: Since 1988-94 the prevalence of diabetes has increased from
8.4 percent of the U.S. population to 10.3 percent.(7)
We have been making progress in cholesterol control. Whereas
28.6 percent of the population had a cholesterol level greater than
240 mg/ dl in 1971-74, only 16.5 percent of the population had elevated
levels in 2001-04.(7)
I bet we can do better than this with a little effort.
| Cancer |
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. For combined cancers,
198.6 per 100,000 population died in 1970, and by 2004 that rate was 185.8.(7) Cancer
deaths have gone down and five year survival rates are increasing, which is a very good thing.
However, the number of new cancer cases identified between 1997 and 2007
increased! As shown in figure 5, whereas 1,382,400 new cases of cancer for all sites
identified in 1997, that number increased to 1,444,920 by 2007.(9,10,11)
198.6 per 100,000 population died in 1970, and by 2004 that rate was 185.8.(7) Cancer
deaths have gone down and five year survival rates are increasing, which is a very good thing.
However, the number of new cancer cases identified between 1997 and 2007
increased! As shown in figure 5, whereas 1,382,400 new cases of cancer for all sites
identified in 1997, that number increased to 1,444,920 by 2007.(9,10,11)
Our environment is
contaminated with a
complete smorgasbord
of human carcinogens,
including radon, UV
radiation, secondhand
tobacco smoke,
benzene, asbestos, vinyl
chloride, arsenic,
aflatoxin, DDT, PCB’s,
formaldehyde, and
polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons. There
are chemical
contaminants in the air
that we breathe, the
water that we drink and
in the foods that we eat.
(11)
contaminated with a
complete smorgasbord
of human carcinogens,
including radon, UV
radiation, secondhand
tobacco smoke,
benzene, asbestos, vinyl
chloride, arsenic,
aflatoxin, DDT, PCB’s,
formaldehyde, and
polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons. There
are chemical
contaminants in the air
that we breathe, the
water that we drink and
in the foods that we eat.
(11)
The American Cancer Society estimates that the 559,650 cancer related deaths that will occur
in 2007 will be due to obesity, physical inactivity and poor nutrition, that is one third of cancer
deaths! Those are risk factors that can be modified. Another 168,000 cancer deaths are
expected this year due to exposure to tobacco use (you don’t have to be the one using the
tobacco to suffer the exposure). Most of the one million skin cancers that will be diagnosed in
2007, including melanomas, could be prevented by protecting against exposure to the
ultraviolet radiation of the sun by using sunscreen. We could prevent these cancers even
better by restoring the ozone layer! We can also protect ourselves against the cancers
caused by infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
human papilommavirus (HPV), and Helicobacter pyloria, the organism that causes stomach
ulcers.(11) Perhaps it is a good time for each of us to look more closely at our environment
and behaviors and to actively choose prevention!
in 2007 will be due to obesity, physical inactivity and poor nutrition, that is one third of cancer
deaths! Those are risk factors that can be modified. Another 168,000 cancer deaths are
expected this year due to exposure to tobacco use (you don’t have to be the one using the
tobacco to suffer the exposure). Most of the one million skin cancers that will be diagnosed in
2007, including melanomas, could be prevented by protecting against exposure to the
ultraviolet radiation of the sun by using sunscreen. We could prevent these cancers even
better by restoring the ozone layer! We can also protect ourselves against the cancers
caused by infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
human papilommavirus (HPV), and Helicobacter pyloria, the organism that causes stomach
ulcers.(11) Perhaps it is a good time for each of us to look more closely at our environment
and behaviors and to actively choose prevention!
| Chronic Illnesses |
Chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, emphysema, asthma,
diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, arthritis, lupus, gout and fibromyalgia are widespread.
Many of these can be the underlying cause of other problems. For example, high blood
pressure causes heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Diabetes is linked to a host of
other chronic illnesses, including heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Asthma can lead
to emphysema.
Chronic lower respiratory disease is now the fourth leading cause of death in the United
States. This cause of death was not even among the top ten in 1970, but made the list ten
years later. In 1980, there were only 28.3 deaths per 100,000, but by 2004, the death rate
from chronic respiratory disease had climbed to 41.1.(7) Eighty to ninety percent of these
deaths are due to tobacco smoke, but air pollution, respiratory infections, industrial pollutants
and workplace contaminants also play a role. By 2004, 24 million adults in the United States
showed evidence of impaired lung function, and treating this disease cost $37.2 billion in a
single year.(12)
Chronic disease drains us, emotionally, physically and financially - personally as well as
nationally since 44.4 percent of all health care expenditures are paid by federal or state
government.(7) Many of these illnesses are worsened by stress, which causes our adrenal
glands to over produce adrenaline. Adrenaline (also called epinephrine) is a chemical that
was intended to help the body survive stressful situations, such as attacks from predators, by
stimulating the fight or flight response. It causes the blood vessels to constrict, raises pulse
rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, and gives us a bit of a “high.”
When our bodies were designed, the fight or flight response was intended to be a brief, crisis
oriented feedback loop that would get us through the immediate emergency. After that, we
were supposed to relax and let our vital organs go back to normal. Sort of like the dog who
races around barking at the possible predator (most likely a squirrel) and then goes off to
take a nice, long nap. Instead, we are a nation of adrenaline junkies. Our stress levels rarely
go down, we do not rest enough, we often eat on the run, we have constant worries (job,
finances, deadlines, etc.) that keep the adrenaline flowing. So, we have high blood pressure
and high heart rates that predispose us to heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, arthritis, lupus, gout and fibromyalgia are widespread.
Many of these can be the underlying cause of other problems. For example, high blood
pressure causes heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Diabetes is linked to a host of
other chronic illnesses, including heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Asthma can lead
to emphysema.
Chronic lower respiratory disease is now the fourth leading cause of death in the United
States. This cause of death was not even among the top ten in 1970, but made the list ten
years later. In 1980, there were only 28.3 deaths per 100,000, but by 2004, the death rate
from chronic respiratory disease had climbed to 41.1.(7) Eighty to ninety percent of these
deaths are due to tobacco smoke, but air pollution, respiratory infections, industrial pollutants
and workplace contaminants also play a role. By 2004, 24 million adults in the United States
showed evidence of impaired lung function, and treating this disease cost $37.2 billion in a
single year.(12)
Chronic disease drains us, emotionally, physically and financially - personally as well as
nationally since 44.4 percent of all health care expenditures are paid by federal or state
government.(7) Many of these illnesses are worsened by stress, which causes our adrenal
glands to over produce adrenaline. Adrenaline (also called epinephrine) is a chemical that
was intended to help the body survive stressful situations, such as attacks from predators, by
stimulating the fight or flight response. It causes the blood vessels to constrict, raises pulse
rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, and gives us a bit of a “high.”
When our bodies were designed, the fight or flight response was intended to be a brief, crisis
oriented feedback loop that would get us through the immediate emergency. After that, we
were supposed to relax and let our vital organs go back to normal. Sort of like the dog who
races around barking at the possible predator (most likely a squirrel) and then goes off to
take a nice, long nap. Instead, we are a nation of adrenaline junkies. Our stress levels rarely
go down, we do not rest enough, we often eat on the run, we have constant worries (job,
finances, deadlines, etc.) that keep the adrenaline flowing. So, we have high blood pressure
and high heart rates that predispose us to heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
For adults between the ages
of 45 and 54, 7.3 percent of
the U.S. population reports
having three or more chronic
diseases. For the 55 to 64
year old group, 17.2 percent
have multiple chronic
diseases. By ages 65 to 74,
more than a quarter of this
group is chronically ill (28.2
percent). After reaching 75,
then over a third of this
population has three or
more diseases (35.9
percent).(7) See figure 6.
of 45 and 54, 7.3 percent of
the U.S. population reports
having three or more chronic
diseases. For the 55 to 64
year old group, 17.2 percent
have multiple chronic
diseases. By ages 65 to 74,
more than a quarter of this
group is chronically ill (28.2
percent). After reaching 75,
then over a third of this
population has three or
more diseases (35.9
percent).(7) See figure 6.
Socio-economic status also plays a significant role in development of chronic diseases. For
adults 45 to 64 years of age, those living below the poverty level were two to three times
more likely than those living 200 or more percent above the level to live with three or more
chronic diseases.(7)
We cannot undo the history that led us to the chronic illnesses that already exist – but we can
start making our lives better today. We can all take charge of the effort to prevent cascading
illnesses. If you have diabetes, your risk of developing heart disease, stroke and kidney
failure are markedly reduced by controlling blood sugar. The same is true when blood
pressure is controlled. And if you smoke, well then now is the best time in the world to quit! It
is never too late to choose health!
adults 45 to 64 years of age, those living below the poverty level were two to three times
more likely than those living 200 or more percent above the level to live with three or more
chronic diseases.(7)
We cannot undo the history that led us to the chronic illnesses that already exist – but we can
start making our lives better today. We can all take charge of the effort to prevent cascading
illnesses. If you have diabetes, your risk of developing heart disease, stroke and kidney
failure are markedly reduced by controlling blood sugar. The same is true when blood
pressure is controlled. And if you smoke, well then now is the best time in the world to quit! It
is never too late to choose health!
| The Moral of This Story is… |
The moral of THIS story is that we need to stop focusing on illness and start
focusing on maintaining health and PREVENTING illness! When the entire focus
of our medical care is on illness, then it cannot be focused on health.
We are spending a fortune on mainstream medical care and it has not made us any more
healthy, though it does allow us to live longer lives while sick. We don’t need bigger and
better (and much more expensive) diagnostic tools. We need to start looking at the socio-
cultural, economic and stress related factors that predispose us to disease. We need to
start looking at the pollutants that we spew forth into our atmosphere and our watersheds.
We need to learn, teach and share the universal life force energy healing techniques that
help us to stay in balance and harmony, and reduce our stress levels. We need to take time
for that massage, healthy meal, and walk out in the open air. And last, but certainly not
least, we all need to start taking responsibility for improving our own health by reducing our
risk factors and exploring alternative ways to stay well!
focusing on maintaining health and PREVENTING illness! When the entire focus
of our medical care is on illness, then it cannot be focused on health.
We are spending a fortune on mainstream medical care and it has not made us any more
healthy, though it does allow us to live longer lives while sick. We don’t need bigger and
better (and much more expensive) diagnostic tools. We need to start looking at the socio-
cultural, economic and stress related factors that predispose us to disease. We need to
start looking at the pollutants that we spew forth into our atmosphere and our watersheds.
We need to learn, teach and share the universal life force energy healing techniques that
help us to stay in balance and harmony, and reduce our stress levels. We need to take time
for that massage, healthy meal, and walk out in the open air. And last, but certainly not
least, we all need to start taking responsibility for improving our own health by reducing our
risk factors and exploring alternative ways to stay well!
| References Cited |
1. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (January 2007). National Health
Expenditures by Type of Service and Source of Funds Calendar Years 2005-1960.
Retrieved March 2007 from URL: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalHealth
ExpendData/02_NationalHealthAccountsHistorical.asp#TopOfPage.
2. U. S. Dept. of Commerce Bureau of the Census (1993). 1990 Census of the
Population and Housing Unit Counts United States. Retrieved March 2007 from URL:
http://www.census.gov/population/www/censusdata/hiscendata.html.
3. U.S. Dept. of Commerce Bureau of the Census (March 2007). Population Clocks.
Retrieved March 2007 from URL: http://www.census.gov/.
4. Ped-Onc Resource Center (2005). MRI Scans The Technical Facts. Retrieved
March 2007 from URL: http://www.acor.org/ped-onc/treatment/MRI/ MRI.html.
5. U.S. Dept. of the Census (March 23, 2007). Census Bureau Revises 2004-2005
Health Insurance Coverage Estimates. Retrieved March 2007 from URL:
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/health_care_
insurance/009789.html.
6. U.S. Dept. of the Census (August 29, 2006). Historical Health Insurance Tables.
Retrieved March 2007 from URL: http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/hlthins/
historic/hihistt2.html.
7. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Center for Health Statistics
(2006). Health U.S., 2006 with Chartbook of Trends in Health of Americans. Hyattsville, MD:
U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved March 2007 from URL:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus.htm.
8. American Heart Association (2007). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2007
Update at a Glance. Retrieved March 2007 from URL:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1928.
9. American Cancer Society (2007). Estimated New Cancer Cases and Deaths by Sex
for All Sites, U.S., 2007. Retrieved March 2007 from URL:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MED/content/MED_1_1_Most-Requested_Graphs_and_Figur
es_2007.asp.
10. American Cancer Society (1997). Cancer Facts and Figures, 1997. Retrieved
March 2007 from URL:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/stt_0_1997.asp?sitearea=STT&level=1.
11. American Cancer Society (2007). Cancer Facts and Figures, 2007. Retrieved
March 2007 from URL: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/content/STT_1x_
Cancer_Facts__Figures_2007.asp.
12. American Lung Association (2006). COPD. Retrieved March 2007 from URL:
http://www.lungusa.org/site/apps/s/content.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=34706&ct=3052283.
| Vrtis, M.C. The State of Our Health: A Look at the Past and Present. Holistic: Harmonizing Pathways to Wholeness (Spring 2007):16-24. Available at URL: www.holisticjournal.org. |