The numbers are staggering. Health insurance costs are rising in the United States in a drastic way, and one of the reasons for it's jump in cost is the large number of serious health insurance claims that are being filed.

• In 2000, the health insurance spending in the US was at $1,378 trillion, making up 13.8% of the GDP.

• By 2009, the health insurance expenditure had risen to $2,406.3 trillion, a paltry 17.6% of the GDP.

• In just 9 years, our health problems cost us an additional $1028.3 trillion dollars over our costs in 2000.

Keep your own insurance costs down by staying fit and eating right. The newest version of the "food pyramid" we were all familiar with as young adults has been updated in a way that is much more meaningful. ChooseMyPlate.gov is a great place to start when you're looking forward toward good health.