New Research Finds Recession Has Greater Impact on Health of Parents than Children with Specific Findings on...( Most Hispanics agree that the health ...),Health

Most Hispanics agree that the health of the entire family is important, yet parents prioritize children's health over their own

RIDGEFIELD, Conn., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The economic downturn is contributing to a decline in overall family health in the Hispanic community, with parents prioritizing their children's health over their own. While 44 percent of Hispanics consider it equally important for parents to take care of their own health and the health of their children, significantly more parents say the economic downturn has affected their own health and wellness compared to that of their children (69 percent vs. 59 percent).

In fact, Hispanic parents are making their healthcare a lower priority overall, ranking their own healthcare fourth (five percent) on a list of top priorities -- below their children's healthcare (61 percent), housing (20 percent) and even food and groceries (7 percent). In addition, Hispanic parents are worried about their family's overall healthcare situation. Forty-five percent of Hispanics are concerned about their ability to afford healthcare, medicines and treatment for themselves or their families. And their perspective on the future is even gloomier, with 81 percent of Hispanic parents indicating they expect the current economic downturn to affect their own health or that of a family member.

The survey of 2,186 American adults was commissioned by Boehringer Ingelheim to evaluate Americans' views and concerns about healthcare access and included 328 Hispanics.

"As a family company, Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to improving the health of patients and their families, and these survey findings underscore the importance of expanding healthcare options for every generation," said J. Martin Carroll, president and CEO, Boehringer Ingelheim. "We are committed at all levels to partnering with community organizations to improve health and wellness for those m
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