Health among the Amish

Their extensive family histories are useful to researchers investigating diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and macular degeneration.

While the Amish are at an increased risk for some genetic disorders, researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) have found their tendency for clean living can lead to better health.

They are typically covered and dressed to work in the sun by wearing wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves which protect their skin.

[9][10] About two-thirds of the Amish in Pennsylvania's Lancaster County participate in Church Aid, an informal self-insurance plan for helping members with catastrophic medical expenses.

[9] A handful of American hospitals, starting in the mid-1990s, created special outreach programs to assist the Amish.

This program has earned national media attention in the United States, and has spread to several surrounding hospitals.

The clinic is embraced by most Amish, ending the need for parents to leave the community to receive proper care for their children, an action that might result in shunning.

[13] The DDC Clinic provides treatment, research, and educational services to Amish and non-Amish children and their families.