Access to Health Care – Access to proper health care is determined on need (and perceived need), ability to pay, health status, and acceptability of services. Health promotion experts agree that health promotion at any level may reduce the overall costs of health care, and our system that in many cases rewards persons for being sick (free emergency room care) is creating a burden on our society that may soon overwhelm us financially.
In conclusion, women's health issues will play a more prominent role in today's and tomorrow's health care system. The aspects of prevention and quality rehabilitation will be factors because of their long-term intervention strategies and ability to reduce health care costs. The role in which health promotion and rehab can affect change in the above-discussed aspects of women's health will be key to the success and growth of both of these important elements of the health care system.
References
1. Greenwald, S. Menopause, Naturally. Volcano Press, Volcano, CA, 1984.
2. Whitney, E.N., Hamilton, E.M.N. Understanding Nutrition, 3rd Edition. West Publishing Company, St. Paul, MN, 1984.
3. Bompa, T.O. Periodization of Strength: The New Wave in Strength Theory. Veritas Publishing, Toronto, Canada 1993.
4. A Profile of Women's Health in America. Women's Health Data Book. Coyright 1992 by the Jacobs Institute, 409 12th St.,Washington, DC 20024.
5. Baechle, T. (ed). Essentials of Strength and Conditioning. Human Kinetics Publishers, Champaign, IL 1994.
About the Author
Eric Durak is the director of Medical Health and Fitness, a research and consulting firm based in Santa Barbara. He specializes in exercise programs for special population groups, and has published scientific articles in: The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Diabetes Care, and The Somatics Journal. He is the author of Cancer, Exercise, Wellness, and Rehabilitation, published this year.