Frater Urges For More Preventative Health Care Policies

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Former Arkansas Gov. Frater Mike Huckabee (Beta-Psi, Arkansas State Univ.) says there can be no overhaul of the nation's health care system without addressing preventable health problems.

The former presidential candidate said during a health care conference in Columbia on Tuesday the nation spends too much intervening with chronic health problems. Huckabee says the focus should be on preventing those problems through healthier living and reducing obesity.

He said politicians are reluctant to tackle long-term health problems because they would take a generation or more to work. He says politicians are most interested in what they can accomplish during their term in office.

Huckabee's efforts to improve his own health have received international attention. Diagnosed with Type II diabetes in 2003, he lost 110 pounds. In March 2005, Huckabee completed the Little Rock Marathon, and has since completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. and The Road Runners Club of America named him its Southern Region Runner of the Year, and he was named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week for the country. Huckabee's fourth book, "Quit Digging Your Grave With A Knife And Fork," was released by Time Warner Book Group in May 2007 and has received favorable reviews across the country. Huckabee has traveled widely since the release of the book to speak on the need for Americans to change their lifestyles.

Adapted from AP News Wire and other TKE News Releases. If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Director of Communication Tom McAninch.