Gingrich cites need to focus on health

• By MARSHA SHULER
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Oct 23, 2008 - Page: 4A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The future of the nation’s health depends on a move toward the use of technology to identify best medical practices, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Wednesday.

But Gingrich also said communities across Louisiana and the nation should take an active role in improving the health of residents because sick people are bad for the economy and taxpayers.

Gingrich appeared with Gov. Bobby Jindal to talk about the future of health and health care in Louisiana.

His visit comes as Jindal is pushing a major Louisiana health-care delivery restructuring that includes better use of technology.

Gingrich suggested mandatory physical education from kindergarten through 12th grade each school day; healthy lunches served in schools; no access to vending machines with unhealthy food at schools until 5 p.m. and construction of more sidewalks in cities.

“All this is doable,” said Gingrich, founder of the public policy organization Center for Health Transformation.

Gingrich and Jindal tackled the topic of “Creating a 21st Century Intelligent Health System in Louisiana” during a seminar attended by private and public health industry interests.

Meeting with reporters later, Jindal said he agrees with Gingrich that there needs to be more of a mandate to move toward electronic medical records — records that a patient can have ready access to no matter where or when.

Jindal said he is receptive to changes in state laws to require more physical education in classes and encourage better eating habits among the young.

“We don’t want the next generation of Americans to be our first having a shorter lifespan than our parents,” Jindal said.

Later in the day, Jindal brought Gingrich to the Governor’s Mansion for a session with his cabinet secretaries and executive staff.

“It’s very important for our staff to hear from national leaders … to challenge them with other successful models working in other states,” Jindal said.

Jindal brought former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush for a similar mansion meeting earlier this year.