Office of Men's Health???
http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,1997483.story
Group wants to create Office of Men's Health By Bruce Japsen | Tribune staff reporter May 28, 2009 Congress has established the Office on Women's Health and the Office of Minority Health. Now an advocacy group is pushing legislation, backed by major employers and insurers, that would create the Office of Men's Health. Supporters say an office would have a dedicated director with a bully pulpit for outreach and a staff working as a clearinghouse for studies and education about wellness for men.These supporters cite statistics showing that men lead in several key causes of death like heart disease and diabetes. And men are less likely than women to seek primary and preventive medical care. Such habits can cost the health-care system more money. "If men are not going to take ownership of their health, we need to go reach them where they live, work, play and pray," said Scott T. Williams, vice president of Washington-based Men's Health Network. "Women are 100 percent more likely to [practice] preventive health care than men. There is really the lack of education." Among those that have supported efforts of the Men's Health Network have been Moline, Ill.-based Deere & Co. and Chicago-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, a health insurance lobby. The association has not taken an official stand on whether an Office of Men's Health should be created. But the group is "certainly supportive of their goals to raise awareness and improve men's health through educational initiatives, health screenings and patient advocacy programs," said Paul Cholette, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association spokesman. So far, a five-year effort by the Men's Health Network has yet to achieve its goal. Some observers say Congress might be unwilling to create the appearance of more bureaucracy and fund new programs amid the tough economy. But the legislation this year has bipartisan support in the U.S. House and Senate and may be tacked onto health reform bills expected to wend their way through Congress this year. Williams said supporters are not asking for new appropriation from Congress. Rather, a director and staff for the Office of Men's Health would come from existing Department of Health and Human Services staffers. After two years, the office would be evaluated by Congress to see where it should head in the future. |
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