Health Care Reform Bill Confusion

A new poll by Harris Interactive and HealthDay demonstrated that there is still a lot of confusion about the health care reform bill. In the poll participants were asked to identify from a list of 18 items what is in the bill and what isn't. Here's a couple of the figures:

- 58% knew that the bill will prohibit coverage denial based on pre-existing conditions.

- 55% knew that children will be able to remain on their parent's insurance until age 26.

- 52% knew there will be a financial penalty for anyone who doesn't have insurance.

In these 3 items over half of respondents were in the know. But other parts of the bill saw people very much less informed. Areas where most respondents weren't in the know include: Criteria for an employer being required to offer health insurance to employees, tax credits for business that offer insurance, expansion of medicaid, creation of insurance exchanges, new taxes on medical devices, and new fees for drug companies.

Here's our recommendation. Do some research using a reliable source on the bill and find out what it includes and how that will affect you and your family over the coming years. Our health care system can be very complicated and this bill is too. It is important for you to be in the know so you can make sure you get the care you need when you need it at a price you expected.

Middle-Age Americans becoming Less Mobile

After reviewing data from the 1997-2007 National Health Interviews researchers from Rand Corp. released some unfortunate news about middle-age Americans.

The study pointed out that 40% of respondents between the ages of 50 and 64 report difficulty with at least 1 of 9 basic physical functions. Over the 10 year period studied there has been a significant increase in the number of respondents that said a health problem has made it hard to stand for 2 hours, stoop down, walk a quarter of a mile, and climb 10 steps without resting. Furthermore, a growing number of respondents said they need help with simple daily tasks like getting in and out of bed, and moving around the house.

The causes these middle-age Americans gave for their need of assistance include:

- Arthritis

- Rheumatism

- Neck problems

- Diabetes

- Depression

- Anxiety or emotional problems.

Many of the respondents said these problems began in their 30's and 40's, and a major concern is that they will continue to grow worse with age.

At Brockton Physical therapy we are very aware of the mobility problems affecting middle-age people and we are able to help. Through physical therapy we can increase mobility, reduce the pain associated with these conditions and help you prevent the development of these conditions. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or would like to come in for an evaluation with a therapist.

Here is a link to the article to read more: http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/637792/main.html?ic=6012