One in eight 'healthy' Dutch people has an unknowingly increased risk of diseases such as diabetes, cancer or heart problems. This is apparent from research by NIPED, an organization that is committed to preventive health care.
According to NIPED, a large proportion of people are willing to adjust their lifestyle if they are informed about their health situation. They also become healthier and less often sick the institute said.
NIPED advocates a biannual medical examination to be included in the basic insurance. “Just like the dentist regularly checks our teeth, doctors have to monitor our health regularly. People can then adjust their lifestyle in time," says a spokesperson for the institute.
The cabinet sees preventive health care one of the ways to keep healthcare affordable. If it can be prevented that people become ill as a result of, for example, unhealthy behaviour, society will save a lot of money.
