Americans believe U.S. not best healthcare system

According to a new survey, the majority (60%) of Americans believe the U.S. does not have the best healthcare system in the world, and 64% say most Americans do not get the care they need. Yet, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Baltimore), the U.S. spends more on healthcare per capita —$5,700 — than any other nation.

“We're paying the most but not getting the most for our money,“ said Mary Woolley, president of Research!America (Alexandria, Virginia), which sponsored the survey. “Our investment in research has made understanding how to achieve and maintain health for our citizenry an achievable goal in the United States, yet putting current knowledge to work systematically and for all continues to elude us.“

The majority surveyed (70%) said it is important for the U.S. to invest in more research to assure a solid scientific base for healthcare and its delivery, and an overwhelming 95% said healthcare should be based on the most recent research available.

“Our poll shows that Americans endorse what experts term 'evidence-based medicine.' Unhappily, we have neither adequate evidence nor the will — yet — to deliver it,“ said Woolley.

CDC breaks ground on new facility

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; Atlanta) broke ground last week on a new five-story, $18-million multi-purpose facility that will house 300 employees and a 15,000-square-foot Lifestyle Center encouraging wellness as well as physical fitness.

“These new additions are excellent examples of CDC's commitment to two overarching goals of health promotion and preparedness,“ said CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding. “At the new Lifestyle Center, we will refine what we know works to help all people, including our own employees, achieve the best possible health at every stage of life.“

CDC will also explore fitness and wellness “best practices“ at the Lifestyle Center through partnerships with fitness and sporting goods manufacturers, managed care providers, insurers, and food and beverage makers. Findings will be shared broadly with others interested in promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

“Our goal is for CDC's new Lifestyle Center to set the standard for workplace wellness,“ said Dr. William Dietz, director of CDC's nutrition and physical activity program. “Our hope is that we'll be able to create an environment that will be open and attractive to fitness newcomers, hardcore enthusiasts and those who fall in the middle.“