The new health care law, the Affordable Care Act, has been the center of controversy for some time. Claims that it is unconstitutional (it’s not), concerns about how it will affect employer-offered health care coverage, and recent reports of problems with the registration website, have led to confusion and frustration among citizens. The confusion is so great that some people don’t even know whether or not they support the A.C.A.!
In addition to expand access to affordable health care, the Affordable Care Act should also make it easier for people to get preventive care. However, it is not clear (at least to me) exactly how effective that will be. Furthermore, there still appears to be an interest in repealing the law in the future.
Given this uncertainty, it makes sense for us to take steps now to improve our health now and stay healthy in the future. The good news is that a few simple lifestyle modifications, including being active, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, and quitting smoking, will go a long way towards promoting good health, regardless of what happens with the Affordable Care Act.
You can read more in my Health & Fitness column this week in the Aiken Standard.
Dr Parr Says... 