| Content of slogan editorial: | A lot of people try to stay healthy: they spend effort, money and time to keep fit by means of healthy food habits, and leisure sports. But there are also many people that live an irresponsible life with regard to their physical health. When they become ill, their medical recovery, for instance in a hospital, is paid with taxpayers money.
For example, persons that smoke too much have been warned for years about their reckless acts. When some of them eventually suffer from lungcancer, they receive expensive medical treatments, paid by society.
Another example is juvenile overeating which can lead to obesity and even diabetes at older age. Government campaigns have been warning parents and children for many years without effective results. Again, society has to pay the bills.
Also, alcoholism can become a nasty habit with negative impact on brain and body. And many a nursing home has to support elderly with Korsakov syndrome.
There are 2 ways to diminish the misuse of medical health service nationwide:
- Higher medical insurance premium for indifferent people:
Before a person is accepted by a medical insurance organisation, he/she must undergo tests (by an independent third party) with regard to eating, drinking and smoking habits. If proven that he leads a reckless life with respect to health, he must pay a higher insurance contribution.
- Higher tax rates on unhealthy consumer products:
Costs of medical research and recovery of specific illnesses should be funded by the government with tax money acquired from the vendition of unhealthy products, such as cigarettes, alcohol, and sugary or fatty food. This way, a large-scale consumer pays for his own health care in the long run.
In sum, people should take more responsibility for their own well being. If a person wants to live carelessly, he may do so, but at his own expense!
© STHOPD 2003 | |
