The Partnership for Better Health is a network of 27 Iowa-based health andadvocacy organizations representing more than 300,000 Iowans. Its mission isto educate the public, inform policymakers, and engage political candidatesabout the need to invest in health in order to save on health care.
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PBH is proposing a three-part solution to reduce chronic disease and lowerhealth care costs:
The Partnership for Better Health receives financial and administrativesupport from GlaxoSmithKline, working in conjunction with the 27 partnerorganizations in Iowa.
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About GSK Healthy Communities
Launched by GlaxoSmithKline, GSK Healthy Communities is a collection ofresources designed to help individuals take charge of their health and improveoutcomes, and start more conversations with healthcare providers. The mainareas of focus are patient empowerment, patient assistance and communitypartnerships.DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- What: Free health screenings with doctor consultations, sponsored by the Partnership for Better Health in conjunction with GSK Healthy Communities(TM) When: Comprehensive screenings, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesday, August 15 (blood pressure, blood sugar levels, body fat and lung function) Blood pressure screenings only, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday, August 14 Where: Farm Bureau Park, directly east of the Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds Why: The goal of these screenings is to help people become aware of any health risks or chronic disease issues and review their results with an onsite healthcare provider. They will be encouraged to have discussions with their own physician. Many people are unaware that they are at risk or already have a chronic disease. Screenings are an important step to raise awareness about the need for preventive care and intervention under the guidance of a physician, which will ultimately enable people to lead healthier lives. Who: Adult fairgoers Great story and visual opportunities!! Health screenings: In addition to talking with participants, you can participate in the free health screenings yourself, speak with a healthcare provider and see firsthand the benefits of knowing the state of your health. Interview: Andrea McGuire, M.D. co-chair of Partnership for Better Health Iowa Health Facts: Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, are the leading drivers of health care costs. A total of 45% of Americans have at least one chronic disease, and three out of four health care dollars are spent on treating often preventable and manageable diseases including diabetes and asthma. More than 60% of Iowans are overweight or obese, and obesity related problems cost Iowans $783 million each year. Each Iowan taxpayer pays an extra $177 a year to cover the medical costs caused by obesity -- regardless of their personal health status. If just 10 percent of Iowans started a regular walking program, the state would save $43 million in heart disease expenditures annually. For more facts, go to http://www.partnershipforbetterhealth.org
SOURCE Partnership for Better Health; GSK Healthy Communities
