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HEALTHCARE
Andrew's Stand On Healthcare |
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Health care may not be a "Right," but it sure is a necessity. Regardless of whether you're fortunate enough to get it through your employer, can afford it on your own, or don't have any at all, at some point you're going to need it. So the challenge is how to make it available and affordable whenever the time comes when people need it and how do you reduce the need for medical services in the first place. After all, healthy people don't usually need to see a doctor, do they? Ben Franklin said "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and he really was referring to medical care when he said that. It seems as though a day doesn't go by when some new study isn't released that says eating properly, staying fit, getting the proper amount of sleep and not smoking tobacco or abusing drugs or alcohol are all good for you. But, we don't take this advice. A recent report by Gallup showed Arizona's obesity rate increased to 25%. The American Institute for Cancer Research says now that we're getting heavier, we're more likely to develop colorectal cancer, postmenopausal breast cancer, kidney cancer, esophageal cancer, endometrial cancer, pancreatic cancer and gallbladder cancer. Obesity also increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and arthritis. None of this includes risks such as being involved in an accident or the costs of normal health care procedures like childbirth, dental care or regular checkups. What does this all mean? It means our health care costs are going to continue to increase. It means that more of us will need advanced medical care in the future. And it means that unless we do something to get healthier, the only thing assured of getting thinner will be our bank accounts. Poor health affects everyone. When someone is ill, their ability to function is affected. It negatively affects the workplace, schools, community, and home. Good health makes good sense personally and economically. So in an era of calls for increased personal responsibility, it sure seems reasonable to ask citizens to do their part to stay healthy in order to reduce the costs of health care for everyone. In the coming days, I will more fully describe my views on how to deal with the health care issue. Please visit this page again soon.
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Andrew's stand on other important issues. |
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