Health Care

Having just watched/read the President's speech on health care I must put my two cents in. I found myself very frustrated as I did my treadmill workout and read the Presidents speech on the TV stationed above me.

I agree that the system is broken- there is no doubt that we are in need of reform. There are so many people in our country in need of good health care and certainly big companies are controlling the industry. I can only hope that this administration is able to bring the positive change we know the health care system needs.

My frustration comes from the feeling that his speech was just simply propaganda meant to play on our emotions. I didn't get a clear picture of what his plan really is and what I did take from it was that the cost will enormous and paid in the future. The hope is that the changes will lead to saving that will pay for the changes- but what if they don't? That freaks me out.

So what do I think our government should do to help our health care problems? After much thought and almost falling of the treadmill, I offer these ideas.

1. Since our biggest problem is obesity - start taxing fast food restaurants and give tax breaks to restaurants that offer healthy food. The fast food restaurants market to and service lower income people- make healthy food cheaper and more available. Tax the corporations that are profiting off of unhealthy habits. Include in this tobacco and alcohol (this for a girl that loves a good beer or glass of wine)- make a stand against large companies and lobbyist- don't allow people to profit from our poor health.

2. Subsides organic farmers! As it stands right now, organic produce is a luxury, only accessible to people willing and able to pay the price, which is directly related to the cost for farmers to be able to grow veggies that WON'T kill us. Clearly, organic farmers are doing the right thing, invest in them!

3. Give tax rebates for healthy life style changes- gym membership, registration fees for running, walking, biking etc races.

4. Offer tax breaks to companies/small businesses that offer either gym memberships or workout rooms, as well as dedicated workout time for their employees.

5. Keep money in the school systems for PE!! Require students to take PE every year of public education! Along the same lines- change the food services at school- take out the fries- put in some salads! Cut soda and candy out of schools (this will also help with behavior issues as well as achievement).

These are the real long term solutions, change our society- we are fat and lazy, we smoke too much and workout too little. Sure there are a ton of other health care issues to be dealt with, but these are the simple ones to deal with - ones that will keep our country strong. And you don't have to go to Canada for these!