PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The pandemic continues to teach us valuable lessons and it has placed a spotlight on many of our societal weaknesses. During the pandemic and through subsequent economic downturns, people with financial challenges have been hit hardest.
Hospitals, and health care overall, are struggling mightily, but the health of many of our friends and neighbors is struggling as well. When people have financial issues, they choose to pay for food and crucial bills instead of medications and preventive care.
Before the pandemic, six out of 10 families had just $400 in emergency savings. Many of those who have the greatest economic challenges have not recovered and continue to struggle with decreased access to consistent care.
The keys to good health are prevention, lifestyle and access to care. Every month that goes by without improvement in these areas, the risk of declining health increases.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
