What is the #1 healthcare problem in the USA?

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Hello! I think most of us can agree that healthcare here in the good ol' U.S. of A is lacking in some areas. In fact, many think that we are facing a crisis.

My question for you is, in your very own opinion, what is the single most important problem with our healthcare system, and what would you like to see happen to improve it?

Number one is smoking. Why number one when excess pounds are so much more prevalent? Because smoking is a much more deadly killer than fat which I would make number two. Next biggest killer is accidents including auto accidents. All other form of chemical abuse come in forth. The above is my own personal list. If you want to know the truth advanced age and related degenative diseases are actually number one but I got a feeling we are talking about behavior related diseases.

Looks like the government agrees with this statement...

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/04/20/MNG24CBSJD1.DTL

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All of the modern conveniences...

Let me explain. When I was a kid, we didn't spend hours on end in front of the TV/computer/video games. Instead, we played outside and rode our bikes. My parents had to walk into the drug store, grocery store. etc. Drive-thrus were not yet very popular. I still remember my mom walking to the grocery store w/ us kids. There were push lawn mowers. When we did watch TV, we had to actually get up and walk over to the TV to turn the channel. We hung our clothes out on the clothes lines. Food was prepared without all of the additives. There really weren't too many frozen 'instant meals'. Cleaning the floor meant using and "old fashioned" string mop. And do you remember those dinosaurs of vacuum cleaners? We didn't have cell phones to call ahead to make sure something was open or whatever. Need I go on????

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Obesity and the rise in diabetes.

steph

Exactly, the major problem with our health care system is the lack of preventative care and those willing to take responsibility for their health.

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All of the modern conveniences...

Let me explain. When I was a kid, we didn't spend hours on end in front of the TV/computer/video games. Instead, we played outside and rode our bikes. My parents had to walk into the drug store, grocery store. etc. Drive-thrus were not yet very popular. I still remember my mom walking to the grocery store w/ us kids. There were push lawn mowers. When we did watch TV, we had to actually get up and walk over to the TV to turn the channel. We hung our clothes out on the clothes lines. Food was prepared without all of the additives. There really weren't too many frozen 'instant meals'. Cleaning the floor meant using and "old fashioned" string mop. And do you remember those dinosaurs of vacuum cleaners? We didn't have cell phones to call ahead to make sure something was open or whatever. Need I go on????

Hey, I'm doing pretty well then! No TV, no clothes dryer, still have a string mop, don't use pre-prepared foods. I don't vacuum very often though.:chuckle

I agree, the modern lifestyle of eating on the go, living in one's car, etc, is very unhealthy. Combine that with a sugar and fad laden diet and what do ya have? Fat kids and adults. I think we are really going to see this timebomb go off with this upcoming generation of young people, who will be facing major health problems due to type 2 diabetes. We all know the human misery that results from that disease.

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Also, obesity contributes to all the knee surguries and other othopedic problems we see. It's a rare total knee I see that has good eating habits. It's a viscious cycle with these types of problems.

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June 13 article from American Heart Association based on CDC report:

"According to the report, which is based on statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity may soon overtake tobacco as the leading preventable cause of death. Regardless of this trend, both are leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease - the nation's No. 1 killer - and both must be dealt with to significantly improve American's health, according to the association."

For full text of article...

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3020015

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Nurses that don't read things carefully.

The OP asked for the most important problem with our health care system. Most replies have listed health problems and lifestyle problems that cause health problems.

I would have to say the biggest system problem is giving insurance companies more control over health care than actual health care professionals.

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Poor personal health habits on the part of citizens who then expect doctors to come up with a magic pill. Pharmacetical companies with too much political clout pushing those pills. Unfair distribution of healthcare services due to lack of basic coverage for many citizens. Paperwork nightmare due to patchwork of insurence plans and regulations, and litigation prone society.

Can all that count as 1?

Uh, my original answer did address the OP's question, but this conversation has evolved into a discussion of the number 1 health problem facing the healthcare system!:D Glad you're such a great reader though. Did you read the whole thread and see how the conversation evolved???:)

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Uh, my original answer did address the OP's question, but this conversation has evolved into a discussion of the number 1 health problem facing the healthcare system!:D Glad you're such a great reader though. Did you read the whole thread and see how the conversation evolved???:)

hehe Mystery...

I think I started the health problems tangent when I threw in "obesity" :D

With much love and affection,

Fatty McFatpants :D

(aka Sunnyjohn)

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hehe Mystery...

I think I started the health problems tangent when I threw in "obesity" :D

With much love and affection,

Fatty McFatpants :D

(aka Sunnyjohn)

Dear Fatty McFatpants,

Now back away from that computer right now, Mister! That'll be 30 minutes of aerobic exersise for that infraction, Mr Wiseguy! Now get going!!!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER, L&D, ICU, OR, Educator.

Pharmaceutical companies playing on the general public's desire for medications for everything and their political power.

Overuse of the medical system by some (must see provider to get Rx for desired advertised drug, for every bug bite, for a child who coughed once, for "fear of flu", etc.).

The cost of end-of-life care in patients/families without the foresite to have discussed personal desires in end-of-life issues.

Physicians over-prescribing for procedures, tests and medications.

Lack of personal involvement/accountability/participation in overall health and lifestyle areas of the public.

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Specializes in ER.

non-compliance

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