If You Think Wellness Is Expensive, Try Disease.

There is a famous quote by Derek Bok, distinguished educator and former President of Harvard University, that reads: “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” The message is clear. Lack of education will result in lower income and lost opportunities, both personally and for dependents. This quotation inspired me to come up with another. “If you think wellness is expensive, try disease.” This can be amplified as follows:

Try
Fear and Anxiety
Pain and Suffering
Incapacity
Separation from Home and Loved Ones
Reduced Income
Possible Job Loss
Potential Bankruptcy
Depression
Impaired Function

We know how expensive healthcare can be, especially in the USA. In 2005, it was reported that approximately half of all personal bankruptcies filed by families in the US were a result of medical issues, even though three out of four filers had health insurance when the problems began (1). There has since been some debate about the actual percentage of US personal bankruptcies caused by illness and injury but it is clear that the number is significant.

It is unacceptable that people should be bankrupted by illness. And it is also unacceptable that nations should be bankrupted by healthcare. We all have a responsibility to take good care of ourselves and our families and it is important to get the message across that it does not have to be expensive to pursue a healthy lifestyle. But it does take knowledge and commitment.

I set up this website to educate and inform because, as Derek Bok said, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” This applies to everything, including our health and wellbeing.

Reference

1. Himmelstein, D. U., Warren, E., Thorne, D. and Woolhandler, S. J. (2005) Illness and Injury as Contributors to Bankruptcy. Abstract: http://ssrn.com/abstract=664565
Click on SSRN for the complete article.

© Christopher J. Jones, M.Sc., Ph.D.