Summer 2025 – In the Summer issue of Pittsburgh 55+ Magazine, neurosurgeon and wellness expert, Dr. Joseph Maroon, discusses the ever exploding costs related to “sickcare”.  This is a term used by many to describe how our current healthcare system only functions and takes action when we are sick and does very little to prevent diseases from occurring.

The article entitled, Why are US Healthcare Costs so High? What can Each or us Do to Reduce the Cost, (page6) and Dr. Joseph describes the the reason for elevating healthcare costs as this:

“So, why are US healthcare costs so high? Answering this question is complicated but in a large part it is due to two major factors. First, going back to the rules of economics, currently in the US, the more services that are provided by a healthcare system, the more profit they made. This is true for both profit and non-profit organizations. The second major cost driver is the loss of healthcare provider competition in many areas (mostly rural). This allows local healthcare monopolies that can dictate what every price for services they want” , reports Dr. Maroon.

At the end of the article he lists many of the simple things each of us can do to improve our health and potentially avoid chronic diseases that are afflicting our society. (see Below)

Make better health choices – avoid sick care – Lower stress, lose weight, don’t smoke or use avoid excessive alcohol use a seat belt slow down, eat health and exercise regularly

• See you PCP annually – Participant in disease screening – Skin exam, breast prostate exam, etc
• Report symptom changes early, report all adverse drug effects
• Take medications as prescribed
• Minimize fall risk
• Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) to have money for co-pays that will not be taxed
• Consider Medical Advantage – But realize there are preauthorization to meds and tests
• You also need to use In-Network Health Care Providers
• Don’t neglect dental and vision care
• Use generic Medication if possible

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE PAGE 6

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