The Bad News:
Most Americans agree that health insurance costs are out of control. Monthly premiums are through the roof, co-payments keep going up and up, and out-of-pocket expenses are increasing rapidly. Many self-employed citizens cannot afford health insurance at all, or are forced to opt for catastrophic coverage. Nearly 47 million Americans, or 16 percent of the population, were without health insurance in 2005, the latest government data available.

In addition, health expenditures are increasing across the board, regardless of insurance status. In 2007, total national health expenditures were expected to rise 6.9 percent — two times the rate of inflation. Total spending was $2.3 TRILLION in 2007, or $7600 per person. Total health care spending represented 16 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

Perhaps, even in difficult economic times, this news would not be quite as disturbing if our health as a nation was thriving. It is not. According to the World Health Organization, the United States ranked 15 among 25 industrialized nations based on a wide variety of health measures including infant mortality and the incidence of degenerative disease. In addition, our current healthcare system (which many critics have referred to as a “sick care” system) is fraught with dangerous medical errors. Dr. Barbara Starfield, in a recent JAMA article, lists some startling statistics regarding our current system, including: 12,000 deaths per year from unnecessary surgery, 7,000 deaths per year from medication errors in hospitals & 20,000 deaths per year from other hospital errors.

The Good News:
Individuals and families can take simple steps on their own to improve their health and reduce medical costs over their lifespan (not to mention improve their quality of life!). For example, eating more fruits and vegetable has been linked to a significantly decreased risk for almost all chronic diseases. Likewise, regular physical activity/exercise can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure or diabetes, and of becoming obese. In addition, reducing psychological stress has been shown to reduce cortisol, a hormone which, in excess, can adversely impact cardiovascular and immune health as well as contribute to obesity.

My guess is many of you are thinking, “Yeah, yeah, easier said than done!” And you are right! Making healthy lifestyle choices on a daily basis, though it can positively impact our health (and thus, our finances) is not easy. Old habits may need to be broken. New habits will need to be nurtured. There are many possible distractions and pitfalls along the way. But it IS worth it, and the good news is, you do not have to do it alone, or overnight. To truly succeed decide to be in it for the long haul. Be patient with yourself and remember that all change is a process…

Urban Health Fair & Market Details:
No matter where you are in that process, the upcoming Urban Health Fair & Market is designed to help support and advance your health goals. The event will be held on September 13th, from 11am to 7pm, in the Lafayette Square business district (on Park Avenue, between Vail & 18th).

Background:
The Urban Health Fair & Market is organized and presented by the Urban Health Initiative, a group of independent city business owners whose services, products and clientele are wellness-focused.

The mission of the Urban Health Initiative is to:
1) Promote health and wellness education and lifestyles in the city of St. Louis
2) Increase access to preventative and holistic healthcare options in St. Louis city
3) Unite and empower wellness-focused professionals serving the St. Louis community

Vendors & Activities:
The event features over 20 wellness vendors (including several non profit organizations) and will include complimentary acupuncture, nervous system scans, massage, fitness tests, yoga demonstrations, cycling opportunities, education on naturopathic approaches to health, nutritional supplements, free hourly “give aways” and much more!

Food & Entertainment:
Lafayette Square restaurant sponsors will provide health (and taste) conscious menu options for the fair. Music will be provided by Jane Godfrey & Saved by Chaos, dance by Los Flamencos, and art by Cbabi Bayoc.

Kids & Pets:
Far too often health focused events forget to include age appropriate activities for children. That is a shame since most of us form life long health habits during our early years. The Urban Health Fair will provide a day full of health-focused children’s activities including weight lifting demonstrations by youth from Lift for Life Gym.

For those who consider their four-legged family members to be their “kids”: Four Muddy Paws will be hosting a “fair within the fair” that is specifically designed to help you, help your pets, live longer and healthier lives.