North America’s population pyramid is looking more like a trapezoid as the overall average age climbs.  People (and their healthcare providers/administrators) are becoming more aware, and concerned, about the state of their health.  Still, the majority don't have a complete picture of their risks and just aren't sure what specific steps to take to ensure a long and healthy life.

Step in Health Risk Assessments (HRAs).  HRAs are self-reported questionnaires used to appraise health status and risk of future illness, and are catching more and more consumer attention.

According to Forrester’s research, more than 20% of consumers who are insured commercially report taking an HRA, and of these HRA takers 37% are doing so online. More data on these consumers conclude that:

-         nearly three-quarters of consumers who use the online channel to learn of health risks do some additional research on a medical condition after taking an assessment, and

-         62% look up prescription information.

Not applying for insurance coverage?, you can still go online to and use one of the many free HRA Tools – Inova Health Systems and Health Status, among others – to uncover the potential impact of negative lifestyle choices.