Unfortunately, it’s pretty common knowledge that the U.S. spends more on medical care per person than any other country, but did you know that our life expectancy is shorter than that of most other developed nations – and many developing ones?
“More care does not necessarily mean better care.”
– Gerard Anderson, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
To make matters worse here in South Carolina, we ranked among the worst states in the nation this week for smoking prevention efforts, according to a new report by the American Lung Association, just as our State lawmakers are back in session talking about our lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax issue.
Here are some of the A.L.A. findings:
-
Tobacco prevention and control spending. GRADE: F
Why: S.C. spends $3 million on smoking prevention or 5 percent of what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. -
Cigarette tax. GRADE: F
Why: At 7 cents a pack it is the lowest in the nation. Higher cigarette taxes mean fewer people take up the habit, studies show. -
Cessation coverage: GRADE: F
Why: State doesn’t force private insurers to cover smoking prevention. - SOURCE: American Lung Association
Well, now you know how the American Lung Association rates our anti-smoking efforts. btw: South Carolina was one of six states to earn all “Fs.”
Bottom line, we have a long way to go on the health care front – both nationally and here in Greenville County. This Tuesday, you have a chance to make a difference in your life by registering with Activate Greenville.
Over the next four years, Activate Upstate will use a $360,000 grant to coordinate a grassroots planning process with the Berea, Nicholtown and Sterling communities to identify environmental and policy changes needed to support good health.
- Activate Upstate’s Kickoff Rally 2010 is Jan. 19, 4:30-7 p.m.
- Carolina First Center, Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville.
- For more information, visit: www.activategreenville.org or call: 864-242-1111.
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