Originally Posted by
HoDo-Tech70
Certainly not all people with poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity are that way due to their own poor lifestyle choices. However, many people do have illnesses that would be considered as self-inflicted due to those issues. My statement was never intended to be matter of fact. My point is that there should be emphasis by primary caregivers (doctors, nurses, NP's, etc.) to educate people about the consequences of lifestyle choices.
You may think that everyone should know not to make poor lifestyle choices but, unfortunately, that is far from the case. Look at the number of people who choose to start smoking. I'm not aware of anyone who disputes the health hazards of smoking anymore, yet many young people each day make the decision to start smoking.
The cost of health care will be unsustainable for my children and grandchildren if we continue the way we are going. We need to do better as a society on prevention of disease/illness.
The problem I see is that primary caregivers have been forced by the current provider reimbursement system to focus more on volume than spending time educating patients. All my friends in medical fields tell me this. I don't know the answer to the problem, I just see that as a problem that should be addressed.
There are many health issues where some would curtail personal freedom and try to legislate compliance. For example, should motorcycle riders be required to wear a helmet? There are many other examples from seat belts to marijuana use where government has stepped in with legislation for the "good of society." Where do you draw the line curtailing personal freedom for the "good of society"? We all have our own opinion as to where the line should be. It's the same way with any health care legislation. It's difficult to reach a consensus to address some real issues about our current system.