Improving Public Health

More can be done to promote public health in Illinois, both through health care reform and measures to encourage healthy habits. I believe it is important to address health issues from multiple angles, so that everyone has access to health care but fewer need it.

Improving public health starts with our children, and we must do a better job of educating them about how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent, and it is being diagnosed at alarmingly young ages. Unless we take action, we will face a major public health crisis.  Our students should be given healthier food options in public schools, and more education about the health risks that are prevalent today.  For adults, we must encourage healthy living through more awareness programs, such as walking, running, and cycling events.

Unfortunately, lifestyle changes alone are not enough. With an estimated 1.8 million Illinois residents lacking health insurance, action must be taken to ensure they can get the preventative care they need and are not in danger of bankruptcy if an accident or sickness occurs.  First and foremost, all Illinoisans must be guaranteed basic health insurance coverage.  We must also expand publicly funded health care centers to reduce the number of emergency hospital room and private doctor visits. One report by George Washington University estimates that this could save $250 billion over the next decade.  Furthermore, government should not dictate what types of health care are worthwhile.  I will work to include chiropractic and other therapies in any publicly funded health care plans.

I will fight for the health of all citizens, and not the financial interests of the pharmaceutical and insurance industries.