Current Trends in Healthcare
Healthcare in the United States is an issue that has been hotly debated by both members of Congress and the American people. At present, our system emphasizes treatment of medical problems, rather than on disease prevention and health maintenance. This system, however, is very expensive; producing cost increases in health insurance that are well above the average increases in income. In addition, nearly fifty million Americans are without health insurance, and millions of others struggle to pay for costly health insurance premiums. One solution that has been proposed by the Obama administration, has to been to offer a public insurance option; similar to Medicare, but for younger Americans. The problem with implementing this plan is its cost, and how it will be paid. While this debate continues, other trends in health care are becoming apparent.
For one thing, there will be a growing market for products and services that promote good health. In addition, there is an increasing demand for medical products and procedures that will enable us to look younger. Poor nutritional habits have plagued Americans for the past several decades, and have resulted in a significant increase in obesity; especially among children. These problems are being addressed by some major corporations. Companies as Whole Foods have been successfully marketing organically grown foods that are free of pesticides, antibiotics, and growth hormones. Foods and drinks containing anti-oxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids have grown in popularity. Restaurants have started offering more healthy meal alternatives, including fast food establishments as McDonald's and Burger King.
Another growing trend has been on the increased reliance of cosmetic surgery in improving one's physical appearance. Procedures as liposuction, Botox and collagen injections, and various types of surgical implants have greatly increased the practices of plastic surgeons. These services will be in greater demand as Baby Boomers and Generation X members grow older. Spas that offer procedures as chemical skin peels and microdermabrasion treatments to eliminate wrinkles, and various types of bodywraps to temporarily shrink problem areas as thighs and "love handles" are growing in popularity, as well.
As life expectancy increases, the demand for nursing and rehabilitation services will continue to grow. The nursing shortage that already exists is expected to worsen in the next twenty years. There are additional concerns regarding the declining number of physicians. The majority are currently in their forties and fifties, so many will retire by the year 2030. This will lead many to seek alternative medicine options as acupuncture and chiropractic medicine.
These are the trends that are currently taking place. Future trends, however, will depend heavily on changes that may occur in the health insurance industry, and whether a stronger emphasis will be place on health maintenance and disease prevention. They will also depend on government policies that can enable millions of Americans who are currently without health insurance to attain it at reasonable cost.
