Health is a major concern to most people in the US. Many employers provide health insurance to workers, but there are still millions of Americans who do not have any health insurance. This can be either because they cannot afford to pay for insurance or they have a pre-existing health problem, such as asthma, diabetes, or other disease.
Because health is so important in the US, most people have a personal physical or a pediatrician for their children. The emphasis on health in the country is on wellness, staying healthy, and preventing disease. Those with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or asthma, often take medications to prevent an asthma attack or to keep blood sugar levels low. There is also an emphasis in America on exercise, especially for children who are becoming obese at an alarming rate. Each year, it is recommended that a well-visit to a physician or pediatrician should be made by each person. Children under the age of five go to the pediatrician more often, especially during their first year of life to receive immunizations and to record their growth and diet. A child must have certain immunizations to be admitted to school.
As soon as a woman suspects that she may be pregnant, she usually contacts her doctor for an appointment, and she continues to have regular visits every month or so to monitor the baby’s growth and her health as well. Nutritionists encourage all Americans, not just pregnant women, to follow healthy diets including several servings of vegetables and servings of fruits each day as well. Some people in America do not eat processed foods, sugar or other unhealthy foods. Vitamin supplements are also popular in the country, and there are stores specializing in various vitamins and health foods. Organic foods are a current trend in the country as well – foods grown without harmful chemicals.
