Most Americans lack plan for healthy living

A new survey of American adults reveals that three-quarters (74.8%) report feeling positive about their overall health, despite the fact that a majority of them also report having a serious disease or being at risk for serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The survey, which was commissioned by the American Diabetes Association, also showed that while most Americans conceptually acknowledge the need for planning to ensure the peace of mind of their family, most people are not proactive in doing so.

The American Diabetes Association commissioned this survey to assess the prevention and pre-planning practices of more than 1,700 American adults aged 30 and older. The results indicate that Americans are neither adopting important lifestyle changes to prevent diseases they are at risk for, nor are they making the plans necessary to secure their families’ protection, such as financial planning and end of life issues. According to the survey, 4 out of 5 respondents who were at-risk for diabetes or heart disease believed their health was already “good” or “excellent”, despite having modifiable risk factors for these diseases. Additionally, more than 8 out of 10 significantly at-risk respondents reported that they believe they have meaningful control of their health. The survey also showed that while 70.4% of respondents had life insurance, fewer than half had a will, and fewer than one in four had made funeral pre-plans, suggesting that Americans are not covering the full spectrum of medical, legal, and ethical possibilities that arise in the course of life.

These findings illustrate the need for Americans to familiarize themselves with health promotion, disease prevention, and pre-planning practices.

Steve - luckily, these numbers do not reflect the healthy living planning of our clientele.