American's battle with obesity has become common knowledge. In fact, a 2007-2008 study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated 17 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 19 were obese.

To help reduce obesity levels, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced they will award $31 million to 10 communities to aid with public health efforts. Funding, part of the Communities Putting Prevention to Work program, will also go to programs that aim to reduce smoking.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says the investment in such programs will save money in the long run.

"To realize our goals of improving the health of Americans and lowering our nation's health care costs, we must address the underlying factors that influence our families' health - factors like the foods we eat and the conditions that exist in our homes, neighborhoods and workplaces," says Sebelius.

Being overweight or obese has been linked to several health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Being in good health will enhance the quality of one's life. Individuals also stand to get better health insurance quotes if the don't have serious medical conditions. 

People need to prepare to pay more for their family health insurance coverage. A recent survey conducted by Towers Watson reveals healthcare costs are expected to rise more than 8 percent next year.

Nearly 60 percent of the 466 employers surveyed said they plan to make significant changes to their healthcare plans next year. The survey also revealed companies have increased employee contributions almost 50 percent since 2005.

Towers Watson senior healthcare consultant Ron Fontanetta says wellness programs are one way employers plan to cut back on expenses.

"Employers today understand that one of the keys to controlling long-term health care costs is to provide employees with the tools to personalize and manage their health," says Fontanetta. "They are also offering incentives to encourage employees to maintain their well-being and access to clinical support and advice."

People who hoped for a large pay raise to offset increased healthcare expenses may be disappointed. Non-profit human resources organization WorldatWork says employers are averaging a 2.5 percent salary budget increase. 

Having adequate health insurance is important to one's overall well-being. In the event of a major accident or severe illness, the coverage can help pay for expenses one wouldn't be able to afford otherwise.

Some people, however, cannot afford individual health insurance and rely on government plans, such as Medicaid. Research released by the American Cancer Society shows that those who are uninsured or have coverage through Medicaid are diagnosed with more severe cases of prostate cancer than those with private plans.

The study authors say that the "strong associations between insurance and disease severity are likely to be related to lack of access to preventive services such as PSA screening and barriers to timely medical evaluation of urologic symptoms."

By 2014, most Americans will be required to have health insurance. People will be able to purchase coverage through several sources depending on their individual circumstances. Options include through an employer, health insurance exchange, or the government.

Seeking medical care when needed and having regular physicals can help prevent the onset of more serious medical conditions.