Missouri’s Director of Health sees wide-ranging benefits if her department can convince Missourians to adopt a more healthy lifestyle. State Health Director Julie Eckstein likes to refer to her department as the most important in state government and says that if her department does its job it will help all other departments do there’s. Eckstein points, in particular, to the Departments of Economic Development and Education. She argues a healthy workforce cuts costs for employers and attracts business to the state. And she asserts healthy children learn better, creating a well-trained workforce. Eckstein, though, sees society moving away from every day, healthy habits and points out health insurance pays after a problem is discovered and does little to prevent illness. She wants to see all of us watch more closely what we eat, exercise more, take safety precautions and quit smoking.If enough do that, Eckstein says all will benefit.
