George,

We have missed one essential element in this quest for affordable health care for all citizens: the self care issue. Remember what John Kennedy said in his inaugural address those many years ago? "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." That phrase electrified many of us and initiated fitness programs in schools and a sense that we could be better than we had come to be. We can do that for our country now.

I propose that all of us look at our lifestyles (50% of all illnesses and some injuries are said to be lifestyle based and are totally preventable) and decide what we can do to be healthier. Although there are many good resources in our libraries, there isn't a smoker that doesn't know that quitting would be beneficial. Run down the list of places we can raise ourselves above being dependent on a health care provider and it looks like this: reduce intake of sweets and refined carbohydrates, eat only whole foods, not processed, read labels and avoid high fructose corn syrup and all kinds of MSG, get enough of the unprocessed fats (and that includes eggs and butter.) Turn off or get rid of the TV and limit time on the computer. Buckle up everyone in the car. Instead of FaceBook or Twitter, get out and listen to the birds, watch Nature parade before you as the seasons change, drink plenty of water (we don't age, we Dry Out) and please, get enough sleep on a regular basis.

The most important outcome of practicing these great behaviors is that you will feel better, stronger, more alive. Some side effects are weight loss, blood pressure and blood sugar normalization, better relationships and a more interesting life. Don't take my word for it, try it.

We can do this. We owe it you ourselves and if we are even marginally successful, no matter how this health care reform turns out, we will be healthier.

Mary Gorka, RN (Electronic mail, August 21, 2009)