LTE: An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Obamacare

Regarding "Doctor: This disease is entirely avoidable" (Sunday Health page K2), it was refreshing to read an article about health care that actually talked about the role personal responsibility plays in maintaining good health.  In this age of Obamacare, the narrative has overwhelmingly been about who is entitled to health insurance, and who is to pay for it, with nary a word about the things that really contribute to good health: the choices we make.

Take the epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes: Dr. Victor Simms correctly describes this disease as a self-inflicted wound on the part of its sufferers.  It is but one of many - including heart disease, liver disease and various cancers - where our lifestyle choices determine whether or not we are afflicted.

Health insurance is a piece of paper, an inanimate object.  Not only is it not a panacea, when badly implemented it actually encourages the irresponsible choices that lead to bad health.   So, compliments to the Chronicle for the entire Health section, where literally every article talked about the real sources of good health: prevention, moderation and common sense.  May there be many more editions like this one.

Pete Smith

Houston, TX

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Prevention

Regarding "Doctor: This disease is entirely avoidable" (Sunday Health page K2), it was refreshing to read an article about health care that actually talked about the role personal responsibility plays in maintaining good health.

In this age of Obamacare, the narrative has overwhelmingly been about who is entitled to health insurance and who is to pay for it, with nary a word about the things that really contribute to good health: the choices we make.

Take the epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes: Dr. Victor Simmscorrectly describes this disease as a self-inflicted wound on the part of its sufferers. It is but one of many ailments - including heart disease, liver disease and various cancers - where our lifestyle choices determine whether or not we are afflicted.

Health insurance is a piece of paper, an inanimate object. Not only is it not a panacea, when badly implemented, it actually encourages the irresponsible choices that lead to bad health.

So, compliments to the Chronicle for the entire Health section, where literally every article talked about the real sources of good health: prevention, moderation and common sense.

Pete Smith, Houston

http://www.chron.com/opinion/letters/article/Wednesday-letters-Health-care-responsibility-6287596.php