A new survey from Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City found that three out of four parents think that insurance should cover obesity treatment. With more and more children falling into the obese category, the study wanted to investigate how obesity ranks among parents’ concerns. They found that about half of parents feel overweight children should undergo medical care while 81% feel the same about diabetes symptoms, 80% about asthma and 74% about a learning disability.

The study also asked parents if they would seek medical attention for a condition that would limit their child’s life expectancy and 94% said yes. The survey also found that 93% of parents would get their children medical attention if they had an issue that would impact their future health care costs. “Despite the attention on the obesity epidemic, the disconnect found among parents regarding the long-term outcomes associated with childhood obesity is concerning,” said Sarah Hampl, MD  medical director, Weight Management Services at Children’s Mercy. “Obese children have both immediate and future health problems, including hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. The survey illustrates that parents need help connecting the dots between having an overweight child and what their future health consequences may be.”

Eight out of ten parents surveyed say they have the greatest potential to prevent obesity, but roughly six in ten think schools need to pitch in. The majority of parents are in favor of schools changing physical education requirements and restricting unhealthy foods during fundraising activities. “It is evident that parents recognize that there is an issue and that they can have an impact on combating obesity,” said John Lantos, MD, the hospital’s Director of Pediatric Bioethics. “They need to set a healthy example and work with both physicians and schools to encourage a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity, healthy habits and nutritious food.”

Fall can be a tough time for American workers. In addition to gearing up for the holidays, many are also gearing up for higher premiums that will come next year. Typically in the fall is when employers give their workers insurance options for the following year. And as the Washington Post reports, many workers may be faced with less-than-ideal options. According to experts, studies show that rates will be increasing and companies will be putting more of the financial burden for premiums, deductibles and co-pays on their employees.

A study from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust found that the share of costs put on employees rose from 27 percent to 30 percent. That equaled a 13.7 percent jump in the amount paid by workers. Another study that will provide more insight into these trends will be released in 2011, but most officials believe it will just reemphasize what’s already known. A study by Mercer found that employers are seeing health care costs increase by about 10 percent, but with cost saving methods will be able to drop that added burden to 6 percent. One way they’re doing that is by having their employees pay more of the cost. Another method is by encouraging employees to lose weight and get healthier. A Mercer official says lowering employee premiums or providing rewards for taking health assessment surveys are becoming more common.

At the beginning of this month, the state of California introduced its controversial “Hands-Free” law, which fines drivers up to $175 for using a hand-held cell phone (as opposed to a “hands-free” headset to talk on the phone) while operating their motor vehicles. According to statistics from the handful of states that have already started enforcing such laws, this new regulation might reduce the number of automotive deaths per year by up to 900. Now, the California Department of Insurance is starting to test the effects of the law. If the lawmakers’ optimistic prognosis pans out, California auto insurance policyholders might stand to benefit from reduced rates.