Want a simple way (within the reach of the vast majority of us) to help reduce the cost of health care in this country?
Want a simple way (within the reach of the vast majority of us) to help reduce the federal deficit?
Want a simple way (within the reach of the vast majority of us) to increase American workforce productivity?
Want a simple way (within the reach of the vast majority of us) to increase the quality of life for ourselves and for those whom we love the most?
There is one great and simple thing that many of us may have overlooked that we can virtually all do daily - and that one thing would be to attempt to stay as fit and healthy as we can, for as long as we can.
(I should insert there that my thoughts and prayers and lots of sincere love go out to those currently suffering serious disabilities of various forms. This particular edition of this column is meant in no way to disparage or belittle such individuals. My words here are only meant to encourage and inspire each of us - including yours truly - to do the best we can with the bodies we currently have.)
Move. Walk. Run. Lift. Play. Chase your spouse around the bedroom. Anything to get your heart and lungs pumping regularly.
If we Americans (given the body we each have now) were all to take self-responsibility for our own “preventive” health care, we’d save...not millions…but billions….and perhaps even trillions…of dollars nationally over time on healthcare costs.
If only we would.
And, yes, each of us can make a difference - even if we feel that many others don’t care. In the words of the great sociologist, Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
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