Could Capitalism solve the Health Crisis?

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Could Capitalism solve the Health Crisis? - 12/6/2010 8:02:54 AM

DomYngBlk

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We've gone back and forth with this issue here. However, there is a possibility that with the right action the Corporate world can take a lead and lead the way for this country to become not only more competitive globally but healthier and drive down the cost curve on Health Care costs.

Novel programs like the one at the Cleveland Clinic can reverse poor health in employees by using incentives and employment conditions to change behavior. They provide all employees the ability to have a workout space and a workout trainer if desired. There is limits on what is sold in and around the Clinic for food to eat. All food made for patients is healthy and nutritious. They recommend weight loss and refuse to hire anyone that smokes. If a employee is caught smoking twice in their car at the parking lot ....they will be terminated. This has led to some dramtic results for Cleveland Clinic and a reduction in their overall Health Costs per employee.

I guess the real question is is whether Corporate America can find it within themselves to provide upfront benefits to reap down the road profits......http://my.clevelandclinic.org/wellness/default.aspx

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RE: Could Capitalism solve the Health Crisis? - 12/6/2010 8:44:51 AM

willbeurdaddy

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Voluntary uncompensated programs such as gyms and trainers dont work. Only programs that are compensated and targeted at specific risks like smoking and weight loss have proven effective.

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RE: Could Capitalism solve the Health Crisis? - 12/6/2010 9:39:17 AM

DomYngBlk

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I'd just urge you to have a look at what they have done. A bit of both to be sure. Not all compensation but they do lean heavily on performance. They have also reigned in things like vending machines. Unique in that most of the staff will be eating at the site as well. But still they have had a great hand in keeping Ohio statistics from booming too high with obesity and smoking as the economy has dropped off.

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RE: Could Capitalism solve the Health Crisis? - 12/6/2010 9:40:40 AM

tazzygirl

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And its still an employer based program. Lose the employment, lose the benefit. This is what we are trying to get away from.

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RE: Could Capitalism solve the Health Crisis? - 12/6/2010 9:42:25 AM

Moonhead

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How about letting health insurance providers cut up those who default on their payments (and their families, perhaps) for organ transplants?
That'd raise a few quid. Have you seen what a kidney or a lung goes for? They could remove one of each and about half of the liver without even killing the previous owner...

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RE: Could Capitalism solve the Health Crisis? - 12/6/2010 9:54:56 AM

Termyn8or

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"Novel programs like the one at the Cleveland Clinic can reverse poor health in employees "

If they don't comply they get sacked or die. Cool. They can be unhealthy as well as unemployed. But then if they aren't figured in for whichever reason, the balance sheet looks better.

Different strokes for different folks, some eat right to be able to abuse themselves. Some consider the body a temple and will do anything for those extra days of life, as if anyone really knows what to do. And that's the problem.

My belief is smoking will kill you, if you aren't healthy. Drinking will kill you if you atren't healthy. Getting kicked twenty feet across a room will kill you, if you aren't healthy. The sad fact is, no matter our vigor, form or physique, very few of us are healthy.

They make a big deal out of smoking and when you walk out the door you're breathing car and truck exhaust, and a whole lot of other nasty stuff. The air is filthy, the water is crap, and the food is laden with poison and devoid of nutrients. I knew someone who died of lung cancer that never smoked.

Don't get me wrong, these are serious issues, but the answers are not all that clear. They would like you to think they know what is best for you, but they don't. Even if they did it would be extremely difficult today to be fully nourished.

Really, the last thing we need is more mandates from government or work, anywhere. Even if they are right. Not that they are, but if they were they still don't have the right to impose their rightness on others.

Almost noone in the state of Ohio can smoke at work. When you sell them your time, it is not to be wasted smoking, and of course you have to be straight and sdober, and do your job. But when the whistle blows anything goes.

However you can contract for anything. Pro athletes sign contracts that have many clauses to say the least.

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RE: Could Capitalism solve the Health Crisis? - 12/6/2010 9:59:42 AM

Moonhead

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Termyn8or
Really, the last thing we need is more mandates from government or work, anywhere. Even if they are right. Not that they are, but if they were they still don't have the right to impose their rightness on others.

Does that also go for the government legislation about (say) shooting people through the head? Having a lump of metal going through your skull at the speed of sound is probably a health risk, after all.

My opinion is that you need more Government mandates, not less. I'd have a lot more respect for the Kenyan if he'd tried to force a ban on the shits who manufacture packaged foodstuffs cramming everything full of high fructose corn syrup for a start.

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