Some things to add to health care debate

With so much controversy over health care it is surprisingly difficult to find a condensed list of specific changes and claims being discussed in congress. Compared to other nations this country has a good program that admittedly needs serious reform but need not be completely rewritten. The U.S. is already in the insurance business (Medicare, Medicaid, veterans) and does a fairly good job. Covering all who qualify and pay for it along with good cost controls are the big problems.

In a recent article a doctor pointed out that 60 percent of our population is either obese or overweight. This health care bill does not address diet, exercise, stress reduction or getting adequate sleep. It is concerned more with disease treatment rather than with disease prevention. By using common sense in our lifestyle many of these medical problems along with the resulting pain can be better controlled. Common sense cannot be legislated to people who do not know or care until it is too late. Health education should be on the agenda.

The lobbying from all groups with their money and votes have too much power. It takes millions of dollars to run for political office, and as soon as a congressman is elected he has to begin preparing a financial war chest to pay running for the next election. It is very difficult to resist accepting these funds. Will congress ever put aside politics, think of the common good, and work out a workable health care plan. Those who argue for term limits can use Congress itself as the best reason why such limits are needed.

William McNutt

Des Plaines