Patriotism and Health Care

Said a rather dark-sided friend of mine, "Why do you spend so much time writing about health? We all end up the same way in the end. Why fight the inevitable, might as well just enjoy the time we have."

Said I, adjusting rose-colored glasses, "I disagree. None of us know how much time we have, but good health allows us to enjoy it as long as possible."

Came the reply, "Personally, I think good health is merely the state of dying at the slowest possible pace."

Clunk. Ouch. End of bizarre conversation.

That said, in light of all the discussion lately, I've got a thing or two to say about a thing or two about health care. Since my column is not political in nature, I'll attempt to steer clear of that sticky widget. Yet, I'm assuming, no matter one's political leanings, we agree that something is unwell within our health care system.

They say, "Figures don't lie, liars figure." So knowing I could be stepping into an ugly morass, I still wish share a few statistics that I find particularly noteworthy.

According to the 2006 revision of the United Nations World Population Prospects report, for the period 2005-2010, our country ranks 33 when it comes to infant mortality. We are sandwiched between New Caledonia and Croatia.

On the other end of life, from our own CIA's World Factbook, last updated April 2009, our life expectancy is 50th. A child born in the U.S. today will likely be around for 78.1 years. Combine those statistics with the staggering fact that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (a group representing 30 wealthier, industrialized countries) computed that the United States spent $7,290 per capita on health care, ranking it first among the countries studied.

Might just be me, but I don't think we're getting our money's worth.

Whether the solution is public option or private health insurance is not the issue I'm trying to address. Yes, what our government does might indeed affect us for generations far beyond our (hopefully extending) lifespans. Yes, there is much to be corrected.

But, quoting Cassius, "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves..." It's easy to pronounce and pontificate about what "they" should do, it's quite another little something to step to the platform, roll up our sleeves, and actually take action. Irrespective of legislation regarding "single payer" or "pre-existing conditions," we must each make a difference in our own lives by establishing good health as a higher priority in day-to-day decisions.

This does not mean uproot and rebuild your entire routine, throwing every habit into the waste bin. Make a small stand if that's all you can do but make it now. Opt for less processed food. Lower your sugar intake. Park your car at the far end of the lot. Small steps done regularly have more impact than big steps done intermittently. In other words, it's better to get out and walk around the block - and really do it - than it is to promise to run a mile someday soon but never get around to it.

Find an excuse to act in a healthier fashion. It feels good; it's even patriotic.