A recent study from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that a significant portion of the population deal with addictions to alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs.

In total, 16 percent of Americans over the age of 11, which is approximately 40 million people, deal with addiction issues, HealthDay reported, citing the study. Furthermore, approximately 80 million Americans - nearly one-third of the population - are high-risk substance users, as they typically use these substances in an unsafe way.

The report also noted that approximately 10 percent of substance abusers get treatment for their illness. Much of this may be due to physicians and other members of the healthcare industry not being able to identify such illnesses.

"This report shows that misperceptions about the disease of addiction are undermining medical care," said Drew Altman, president of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

While substance abuse programs are available, many consumers may need to have a comprehensive healthcare policy to ensure they can pay for treatment. One way to do this is to seek out a plan with affordable health insurance rates, and select from a group of options.

Research from Kaiser Permanente revealed that school programs that encourage healthy eating for children may help cut down on obesity and encourage more young people to eat right.

The study showed that by using a method to get more involved in the healthy eating education process, the amount of unhealthy foods and beverages being served in intervention schools dropped by 30 percent. In addition, schools that did not do this experienced a 26 percent increase in unhealthy foods and drinks.Furthermore, schools had better luck promoting healthy eating by rewarding students with prizes for doing so.

"If we want to have the broad reach and impact necessary to address the enormity of the childhood obesity epidemic, it's critical that we engage children and their families within school communities," said Dr. Loel Solomon, vice president of community health at Kaiser Permanente

Parents who want more guidance on how to help their child eat healthier may want to contact their family's physician. If they are uninsured, there are many affordable health insurance rates online that may be able to help the whole family out.

A recent decision from the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act, which requires most Americans to have some sort of health insurance policy, according to The New York Times.

The only part of the law, which was passed after a five-to-four vote by the Supreme Court, that was not upheld was the expansion of Medicaid. This aspect of the reforms was turned down because it was felt that Congress overstepped its boundaries. The deciding judge was Chief Justice John Roberts, the news source explained.

"The Affordable Care Act's requirement that certain in­dividuals pay a financial penalty for not obtaining health insurance may reasonably be characterized as a tax," Chief Justice Roberts wrote in the majority opinion. "Be­cause the Constitution permits such a tax, it is not our role to forbid it, or to pass upon its wisdom or fairness."

Since the reform mandates all Americans have health coverage, more consumers will be looking to secure a policy during the remainder of the year. Checking online for affordable health insurance rates may be best for consumers in need of coverage.

A recent survey from the Forum of International Respiratory Societies showed that many people are not aware of the effects and prevalence of lung disease, and they don't know how to take care of the issue.

Lung disease, which spans multiple types of illnesses, kills nearly 4 million people each year, the report explained. However, 57 percent of people have not had a lung test.

In addition, seven in 10 thought that those with these illnesses cannot participate in exercise regimens. Exercise can actually significantly help those with the illness improve, in many cases, a member of FIRS noted.

"Chronic lung disease is a major health issue but - as the FIRS poll shows - its burden continues to be underestimated," said Klaus Rabe, chair of FIRS. "There is widespread ignorance not only around the seriousness of lung disease but about what can be done to prevent it."

It may be a good idea for those who are concerned about lung disease to get checked out by their doctor. If they don't think their current policy will get them the coverage needed to get this accomplished, looking for other health insurance quotes online may work instead.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reported that men need more significant education regarding sunscreen use and skin cancer.

Close to half of American men told the foundation in a survey that they have not used sunscreen in the past year. In addition, seven in 10 men are unaware of the signs that may be skin cancer developing. Furthermore, only one-third of men said they are very knowledgeable about sunscreen use.

"These results are especially concerning when we consider that men over age 50 are more than twice as likely as women to develop and die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer," said Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation. "Reports show that 58 percent of new invasive melanoma cases diagnosed this year will be men versus 42 percent in women."

Those who think they may have a serious skin condition should consult a physician immediately. However, if they do not think their health insurance policy will fully cover their visit, it may be beneficial to look for a new policy. Examining multiple quotes may help a person find plans with affordable health insurance rates.