Although I’m not in budget anymore, I still think that it’s where you get a clearer picture of what our country is doing, where it’s going, and current status. Earlier this month, NIH had a House appropriations hearing to discuss the FY 2008 budget request.

The latest number quoted estimates that NIH invests ~$44 per year for each American. Improvements in medicine, disease research, and the like have helped increase life expectancy. Sounds good, but now, there’s a new set of challenges. When before, cancer, heart disease, and stroke meant death, now the damage is repairable. Sort of. Instead of acute conditions being the major challenges, we’re now facing more chronic conditions and an aging population. Is that an improvement?

Testimony during the hearing also listed among other concerns, greater than expected obesity rates among youths, rising rates of depression among people 24 to 44 years old, and the “health disparities” we’re seeing in America. Although it’s not plainly stated, I’m pretty sure they mean amongst the poor vs. rich as well as the various ethnicities (often related issues). I wonder if the obesity and mental health issues are somehow related. Not saying obese people are unhappy, but maybe the stress culture we live in affects physical and mental well-being.

Oh if you’re curious, and even if you aren’t, I’ll just mention that NIH is requesting $28.9 billion for next year. For this year, they had requested $28.587 billion. That’s a lotta buh-s.