As 2010 begins, health care reform is on everyone’s mind. It takes more than an act of Congress to care for our own health; many of our greatest challenges involve decisions we make every day, or things we can change if we set our minds to it.  With this in mind, here are 10 health facts that we can impact on a local, or even a personal, level.

• Seventy-seven percent of children aged 19-35 months have been immunized, and 74 percent of Illinois children aged 0-17 have had medical and dental preventive care visits in the past 12 months.  Immunizations and preventive care for children are vitally important, and parents should take the lead to make sure their children are protected.
   
• Thirty-five percent of Illinois children and young adults aged 10-17 are obese, above the national average of 32 percent. Spending to treat the effects of obesity will likely quadruple over the next decade, so if we want to cut the cost of health care we can start by eating healthier and making sure our children do, too.
   
• Seven percent of adults in Illinois have been diagnosed with diabetes, above the national average of 5.5 percent. Not all incidences of diabetes are preventable, but we can cut our risk by maintaining a healthy diet that isn’t too high in sugar and fat.
   
• Less than half of Illinois adults regularly participate in moderate or vigorous physical activities. Regular physical exercise has many benefits, from disease prevention to increased energy, improved cardiovascular fitness and more.
   
• More than 21 percent of Illinois adults still smoke, well above the national average of 18 percent.  Fortunately, we have a slightly higher-than-average percentage of smokers who try to quit (59 percent, versus 58 percent nationally). The best idea is never to start, given the well-known risks of lung cancer, emphysema and other problems, but nowadays there are also many, many options available to help smokers quit.
   
• Over 15 million Americans are dependent on alcohol, and it has been estimated that 900,000 of these live in Illinois. Three-fourths of domestic abuse incidents and approximately half of all motor vehicle fatalities involve alcohol. Drink in moderation, know your limits and make sure you have friends around to help you stay in control.
   
• Only 59 percent of Illinoisans aged 50 and over have had colorectal cancer screenings, below the national average of 62 percent; correspondingly, Illinois’ colorectal cancer death rate is higher than the national average. Preventive screenings are the best way to detect and treat problems, in many cases before they become cancer.
   
• Among Illinois residents aged 65 and over, only 63 percent have ever had a flu shot, below the national average of 71 percent. Only 57 percent have ever had a pneumonia vaccine, also well below the national average of 67 percent. Vaccines are an important tool for fighting these and other diseases, and they are even more important for the elderly and other high-risk groups.
   
• Twenty-one percent of surveyed AARP members in Illinois do not fill, or delay filling, prescriptions due to cost. Most of these seniors also reported cutting back on food or utilities to pay for drugs, and/or taking less than the prescribed dose to save money. Ideally, nobody should ever have to make these choices, but for those who do, there are several programs to assist patients in paying for prescription drugs; don’t be afraid to seek help. Ask your doctor about resources that can help pay for medications.
   
• Another AARP study finds that nearly one in three American adults serves as caregiver, spending an average of 19 hours per week providing care. Their work is usually unpaid and often goes unnoticed, so any recognition and thanks they receive is welcome. 

Take it from your doctors. Many of these health issues present significant challenges, but a healthier self, a healthier Illinois and a healthier America are well worth the effort.

A happy and healthy New Year to all,

James L. Milam, MD
President, Illinois State Medical Society