Why Are Safety and Prevention Important?

Young female patient gets her blood pressure checked

Paying attention to safety and being an active partner in your health maximizes your chances of living a long, healthy, and productive life.

Better health and healthcare

Did you know that:

  • According to the World Health Organization, 80% of chronic diseases are preventable. The major contributors to chronic disease are an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use. Your lifestyle choices have more impact on your health and longevity than anything else.
  • People who are actively involved in their health are more likely to have positive experiences with their healthcare providers and get their health needs met.

Lower costs

Taking care of yourself prevents health problems and saves money by reducing the number of office visits and medications you need. Self-care reduces the heavy costs of healthcare associated with disease. Research at Fairview Health Services in Minnesota found that medical bills for patients who were less actively involved in self-care were 21% higher than for patients who were more actively involved. Good health habits can save money by cutting back on healthcare expenses.

Other benefits

People who take care of their health also enjoy these benefits:

  • Improved quality of life
  • Reduced absenteeism
  • Increased satisfaction with healthcare
  • Time saved

Following the guidelines and recommendations in this section can lead to a better health experience, a collaborative relationship with your care providers, and, ultimately, better health outcomes. Reducing your lifestyle risks not only protects you from long-term disease, but can save you from catastrophic injury or death.

What else do we need to say? Take charge of your health.

World Health Organization  http://www.who.int/en/

Hibbard, J.H., Greene, J. (2013). What the evidence shows about patient activation: better health outcomes and care experiences; fewer data on costs. Health Affairs; 32(2), 207-14.

Hibbard, J.H., Greene, J., Overton, V. (2013). Patients with lower activation associated with higher costs; delivery systems should know their patients' 'scores.' Health Affairs; 32(2), 216-222.

Manning, W.G., Keeler, E.B., Newhouse, J.P., Sloss, E.M., Wasserman, J. (1991). The cost of poor health habits. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.