Health Care Access and Health Disparity, continued

Interview with Greg Grant P. A. and Dr. Michelle Shute, MD

Many people still seem to think of health care as something to access after a major problem has already occurred. Keeping healthy by preventing getting sick is better than waiting until after a problem has already happened.

Dr. Shute suggests that you go to the telephone book and find out about community health care providers. The key issue is for people to understand that help is available. Go and get regular check ups - it will be much cheaper than allowing yourself to get a chronic disease by avoiding the issue for fear of the financial burden.

When you can't afford health care go to a free clinic for regular check ups.

By staying healthy you are a more responsible member of society. It is much more expensive to pay for someone's chronic care once they have heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and any of the other diseases that could be avoided. Get regular check ups - don't be afraid.

Be proud of your decision to act sensibly. You are doing the right thing by going to a doctor for a physical. Back to Front

Know your Family Health History

Dr. Shute emphasizes the importance of learning as much as possible about the family history. Family history plays a key role in determining the chance of having a heart attack. Being informed about the heart health of ones' parents and grand parents is very helpful. It will let you know that you have to be extra careful.

Keep a healthy heart and stop smoking and bring your weight down. Ms. Shute explains that in different cultures the idea of what being overweight means differs greatly. It is important to learn what it means in terms of heart health. Maybe your mom didn't know that she got sick because she weighed more than 180 pounds. You can learn and do it better. Get informed.

Greg Grant suggests that education about health is most important: "Know that primary care is very important in the urban community." Keep yourself healthy instead of waiting until after a problem has already happened.

George adds that having access to health care is often not clearly understood. Did you know that 60% of health care providers will reduce their fees for people who cannot afford the full costs of health care. Just ask and tell people that you can't afford it if you can't. There is no shame in your wanting to be responsible about your and your family's health. It is the smart thing to do! More