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spacer 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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spacer spacer spacer Improving The Quality And Availability Of Health Care For All Americans
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Screen capture of Tom Harkin and Elmo's public service announcement on exercise Tom Harkin and Elmo's public service announcement on exercise

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Screen capture of Tom Harkin and Rosita's public service announcement on nutrition 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
 
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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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