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Baby Boomers Don't Use Preventative Services

MedPage Today, 11/19/09

Abstract:

Only a quarter of baby boomers take advantage of preventive services such as flu vaccines and cancer screenings, a new report from the government and two powerful interest groups says. At the same time, states are falling behind goals to increase certain screenings and reduce unhealthy behaviors, according to the report by the CDC, the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP). Researchers say the findings highlight a need for improved preventive services efforts. "We are bringing together a concerted effort to align messages, to build awareness, to create an environment that makes services available, and to adopt public policies that promote healthy behaviors and increased access to services," Matthew T. McKenna, MD, MPH, associate director for medical affairs at the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, said during a press briefing. "Our presence here demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to integrating approaches to increase access and use of prevention services."

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