Daily News Updates - Health Insurance News

Health and Happiness --  Survey America

Studies are being made to better understand US demographics and the link between health and happiness.  Not surprisingly, some of the more weighty factors creating contrast are those who seldom need medical attention vs. those who don't and those who can afford health insurance and those who can't afford health insurance. There are also considerations where a person does have health insurance, but medical expenses are so great, that their coverage can't keep pace with medical costs. These all provide clues in improving not only quality-of-life, but how our nation as a whole can better prosper.

A recent survey performed by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being group has found that about "half of all Americans struggle to stay healthy and happy". The survey included more than 100,000 Americans and is still continuing. The survey shows that "47 percent of Americans are struggling and 4 percent are suffering". The interviews inquired as to each person's well-being self-assessment. Of course, those "thriving" had the higher incomes, more education, better health insurance and less illness. Those "suffering" were not even able to meet basic needs, such as food, shelter, health insurance and other medical necessities. Gallup's chief scientist for workplace management and well-being, James Harter contrasted the US with Denmark, where "83 percent of the residents of Denmark are classified as thriving versus 1 percent who are suffering".

Princeton University professor, Daniel Kahnemanas, a chief consultant on potential uses for the data explains the information in this survey describes what it's like to live in this country. "What is the experience of the weekend? What is the experience of the weekday for someone who is sick and has to go to work in the morning? We are going to learn a great deal about what are the determinants of actual happiness."

Director of the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Julie Gerberding comments " The United States invests more on health care than any country, but its health care system ranks 37th. "That doesn't sound like we're getting the best value from the investment we're making."

It is hoped that forward-looking employers will take careful note of these implications. The most likely category of "struggling" and "suffering" employees in a negative work environment are in transportation or manufacturing categories (29 percent). A "negative work environment" can result from things like " Job dissatisfaction, an authoritative boss, lack of trust and lack of focus on individual strengths"

Further results were: "Two-thirds of all workers reported one or more chronic diseases or recurring conditions. More than a quarter reported back or neck problems; 22 percent had high blood pressure and 23 percent cited high cholesterol. Depression accounted for one in 10". It was indicated that nearly two-thirds of the workers surveyed may be obese or overweight.