The Democratic National Convention (www.demconvention.com) week officially kicks off today in Denver, Colorado and concludes on August 28, 2008.

Delegates from all fifty U.S. states and from American dependencies and territories such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands attend the convention and cast their votes to choose the Party's presidential candidate.

Like the Republican National Convention, the Democratic National Convention marks the formal end of the primary election period and the start of the general election season.

While both campaigns and the parties’ gear up for the general election season it is important that we look at all of the candidates health care beliefs and plans for all Americans.

Barack Obama’s "Plan for a Healthy American" can be downloaded at barackobama.com.

Obama’s web site reports "The U.S. spends $2 trillion on health care every year, and offers the best medical technology and scientific research in the world. Yet, the benefits of the American health care system come at a price that an increasing number of individuals and families, employers and employees, and public and private providers cannot afford."

It goes on to say that, "Barack Obama believes that protecting and promoting health and wellness in this nation is a shared responsibility among individuals and families, school systems, employers, the medical and public health workforce, and federal, state, and local governments."

Obama breaks his health care reform plan down into three parts saying that it builds "upon the strengths of the U.S. health care system."

The three parts are:

1. Quality, Affordable & Portable Health Coverage For All

2. Modernizing The U.S. Health Care System To Lower Costs & Improve Quality

3. Promoting Prevention & Strengthening Public Health

Will Obama be able to cut health care costs? For that answer we’ll have to wait and see.

Why should health care be a big issue during the elections? Because according to U.S. Census Bureau, a substantial increase in the number of seniors will occur during the 2010 to 2030 as the nation’s baby boomers age. By the year 2020, 12 million older Americans will require long-term care services. By 2030, 72 million Americans will be over the age of 65 or one out of every five Americans.

As the U.S. population continues to age about 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health condition and 50 percent have at least two. Arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and respiratory disorders are some of the leading health struggles they will face.

The baby boomers are also living longer than any generation before them. Studies show that as our population ages, the more services they rely on from the health care industry. The baby boomers; especial the tail end boomers could live to see 100 plus years; health care demands will dramatically increase and put pressure on health care services. So the health care beliefs and plans of the candidates, our next President, are very important.

While the cost of health care is out of the ordinary American’s hands we can take control of our own personal medical history. Knowing, tracking and recording your personal medical history is a critical must.

Did you know that most states only require your doctors to keep patient records for an average of 5 to 7 years? So what happens to your records when you really need them? What f your doctor retires, changes practices or moves to another state? Do you really want to fit to rebuild your medical and drug history in an emergency? Wouldn’t it be more sensible to prepare now and keep a running record of your medical and drug history, contact numbers for doctors, family and ICE, pharmacies, insurance companies, personal inventory, directives and much more.

The MedicMinder provides peace of mind for users – the knowledge that all pertinent medical and drug history is documented in one comprehensive, easy to use system. No second-guessing in an emergency – having this vital information in immediate reach reduces guesswork and stress so often felt during times of medical crisis.

About The MedicMinder

Simply stated, the MedicMinder is "Trusted by Caring Families." (www.themedicminder.com)

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