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Preventing Chronic
Diseases
In Iowa, and across the United States, we frequently fail to make an
adequate up front investment in preventing chronic disease. So we end
up spending hundreds of billions of dollars on hospitalization,
treatment and disability that could be avoided. Instead of a true
"health care" system a system that keeps healthy people healthy we have
a "sick care" system that is focused on helping people after they get
sick.
We each have a responsibility to make smart choices in order to stay
healthy. But, too often, Americans lack basic information about staying
healthy. And too many Americans don't know about or lack access to
health screenings and preventive services. This must change. Ben
Franklin got it right: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure."
HeLP America
Act
To achieve these ends, Senator Harkin has introduced the Healthy
Lifestyles and Prevention (HeLP) America Act of 2005. This legislation
recognizes the challenges posed by chronic disease and also looks to
harness the power of prevention. It seeks to reorient our health care
system away from one focused on disease treatment and management to one
that is based upon the promotion of healthy lifestyles and the
prevention of chronic disease. Promoting healthy behaviors such as
eating nutritious foods, being physically active, avoiding tobacco use,
and ensuring access to mental heath services can prevent or control the
devastating effects of many chronic diseases. For more
information on the HeLP America Act, please click here.
Harkin Wellness
Grants
As ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services and Education Appropriations, Senator Harkin has held hearings
in Iowa and in Washington to learn more about the medical and financial
costs of chronic conditions such as obesity, tobacco use and mental
illness. After meeting with schools, employers and other
community organizations in Iowa and nationwide who are doing innovative
things to promote wellness, he created the Harkin Wellness Grants
program to promote healthier lifestyles by giving communities the tools
they need to develop creative approaches to promote disease prevention
and wellness. In September 2005, in conjunction
with the
Iowa Department of Public Health, Senator Harkin announced that 28
public and private organizations in Iowa would receive a total of $2.7
million through the Harkin Wellness Grant program. Harkin
Wellness Grants go to a wide variety of community organizations
including, cities; school districts, and community-based nonprofit
organizations.
Chronic Disease
Prevention in Medicare
Medicare costs are increasing. As the Baby Boom generation begins to
retire, Medicare expenditures will take an even greater share of
revenue from the Treasury. However, most of Medicare's expenditures
are
spent treating chronic, preventable illness. Senator Harkin has
proposed legislation that would allow physicians, hospitals, and other
qualified practitioners to identify eligible Medicare beneficiaries at
risk for later onset diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or
other chronic diseases. These individuals would be enrolled in
voluntary disease prevention programs that can help them lead healthier
lifestyles. Overtime, as fewer and fewer Americans develop expensive,
chronic disease, both quality of life for Medicare beneficiaries and
Medicare's finances would improve.
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Tom Harkin and Elmo's public service announcement on exercise
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Tom Harkin and Rosita's public service announcement on nutrition
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Video of Tom Harkin talking with Elmo and Rosita about nutrition
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HARKIN'S APRIL 2006 HEALTH & WELLNESS UPDATE
Sign up to receive Senator Harkin's Health Newsletter
10/26/2006
HARKIN: BUSH’S BOTCHED POLICIES AND MISPLACED PRIORITIES FAIL IOWANS
10/17/2006
WE CANNOT RETREAT FROM THE WAR ON CANCER
10/13/2006
HARKIN: GAO STUDY CONFIRMS DECREASE IN FRAUD IN FEDERAL FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
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