Healthcare May Break America

By Kathy C. Licht

As healthcare costs escalate with focus on treating the sick, America's prognosis for good health is poor.

Consider, in 2020 over 53 million Americans will be over 65,that's more than 20 million more than today. As the demand for healthcare is increasing, we can expect a shortage of 30,000 primary care physicians and a shortage of 300,000 to 1 million nurses. The American Cancer Society expects oncology visits alone will exceed the supply by 13 million. Walmart plans to open 2000 mini health clinics in the next 5-7 years.

These staggering figures project the current healthcare system will bankrupt America if we don't do something. Much of our healthcare now is based on taking care of the sick. Significant savings, in time, money, and lives could be realized if we refocus to prevention.

Our legislators need to be well versed and educated in the healthcare arena to implement policies that will lead to increased accessibility to care and prevention. The future to a healthier community will be in knowing your risk factors for specific illness and disease, monitoring it over time, and detecting and treating it early.

This is one major issue facing our elected officials. We need legislators who know the issues and come prepared to move us in the right direction.. I believe that person is me, a nurse and advocate for the welfare of others.

Your most important job is to vote! Don't leave these issues in the hands of a few who may take this as a popularity contest. I am Kathy C, Licht. I appreciate your support at the polls. Thank you