An Economic View of Your Health

By Terrence M. Fullum, MD

I recently had the honor of being a panelist at the Maryland Black Mayor’s Inaugural Conference at Bowie State University. The topics of the panel discussion varied but focused on issues in the African American community. The panel was composed of community leaders from the clergy, media, business, and health professions. The over-riding theme was dissatisfaction with the black community’s progress in our state. As I sat there, I realized that Prince George’s County, one of the richest counties in the nation, was not realizing its full potential. It was apparent that there were strong leaders with great ideas. However, there appeared to be an underlying apathy and laziness in our community preventing progress. I found this ironic because if there ever was an opportunity for our community to grow…the time is now.

The unemployment rate is at a record high, particularly in the African American community (17%), but there is light on the horizon. Citizens are more aware of the issues facing our community and our nation. Record numbers are exercising their voting power. We now have the influence to effect change by electing those who support our agendas. The stimulus monies are beginning to have a positive effect. The financial and real estate markets are recovering. Our highways are in need of repair, bridges are in need of fortification, and we continue to have a shortage of teachers and physicians. Increased construction will result in more jobs, which will in turn re-fuel the economy. As a result, the unemployment rate will soon begin to decline.

Health and Education are symbiotic. As we become better educated, we will be more likely to have a higher income and better access to quality health care. With passage of the health care reform bill, health care ultimately will be less expensive because its product will be healthier, more productive citizens who spend less money on medicine, less time in the emergency department, and miss fewer days of work. Reforms in education will be difficult and costly, but are no less important. Programs to reduce the public high school student drop out rate are a necessity. Increasing time for physical activity in school and providing healthier lunches to reduce obesity in our children will in turn reduce the incidence of diabetes and hypertension; resulting, again in healthier citizens who are more productive.