Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.

Test three cost-free measures (x, y, z) and their effect on a given population (p, q, or r) comparing against control groups, by measuring five objective factors (a, b, c, d, and e).

x = water consumption - 6 or more eight-ounce glasses/day (filtered water, sipping, not chugging, and spaced throughout day) y = three sets of defined breathing exercises per day z = twenty minutes of "outdoor" walking per day

p = high-risk population (BMI in the overweight to obese range) q = people taking medication for high blood pressure r = people on medication for depression or anxiety s = middle school or high school age children

a = BMI b = blood pressure c = bad cholesterol d = good cholesterol e = blood sugar levels f = test scores (school children)

To test effectiveness of each treatment. Start water consumption in first month. Add breathing exercises in second month. Add regular walking for exercise in third month. Take measures at beginning and at end of each month.

Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.)

yes

If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:

God gave us water, air, and legs, and most people don't use these assets properly. Joints and muscles were meant for moving.

What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.)

This type of testing could be implemented for any defined population at a very low cost. Patients are taught specific techniques and write in a log for accountability to each day's required activity.

Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)

This could even be conducted with cancer patients of a like phase and condition.

Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.)

Interested in seeing how mindfully applying these lifestyle activities affects a subject's biometric profile, but would also be interested in subjective feedback - mood, energy levels, pain. These are the most affordable treatments around - they are FREE!

Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.

My only concern would be that if people start to do better, that any medications that they may be on are properly adjusted to lower doses, such that improper dosage is not causing problems.

Appropriateness for EHC Program

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

• Arthritis and nontraumatic joint disorders
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease, including stroke and hypertension
• Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease
• Depression and other mental health disorders
• Developmental delays, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism
• Diabetes mellitus
• Functional limitations and disability
• Infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS
• Obesity
• Peptic ulcer disease and dyspepsia
• Pregnancy, including preterm birth
• Pulmonary disease/asthma
• Substance abuse

AHRQ Priority Populations

• Low income groups
• Minority groups
• Women
• Children
• Elderly
• Individuals with special health care needs, including individuals with disabilities or who need chronic care or end-of-life health care

Federal Health Care Program

• Medicaid
• Medicare
• State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
• Other

Importance

Describe why this topic is important.

This has huge implications for cutting the cost of health care that is breaking the backbone of this country. Of course, many companies whose profits are driven by illness will not favor this kind of study.

What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.)

I'm an independent health insurance broker trying to help people maintain affordable health care. I pay for my family's health insurance out of my own pocket - CDHP. I've successfully used these simple methods throughout my stress-laden life and have still have sound biometrics.

If someone gets a salary raise of 5% a year, their income compounds to a 28% increase over five years. If that same person pays for health insurance, and the rate increases at an average of 12% per year, as it has been doing and continues to do, the payments compound to a 75% increase over five years. This is fifth grade math - comparative exponents.

Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.)

no

If yes, please explain:

The only uncertainty that I can see is that policy-makers supported with big-pharma dollars will not want to touch this one. But I'll counter that any policy-maker who does support this could play it up and be a big hero to their constituency. Kind of a no-brainer in my mind.

Potential Impact

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?

This research will help inform economic decisions in education, business, long-term care, and health care program funding and so much more.

Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.

???

Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.

Quality water, quality air, safe walking environment required.

Nominator Information

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate)

This research will help inform economic decisions in education, business, long-term care, and health care program funding and so much more.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?

Individual

Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program

Learned about it through a discussion thread.