Health care, tanking economy, and many worries

If you live in the United States, you may be one of the millions who have substandard or no health insurance. And, if you're in fear of losing your job or you have lost it, you may be heading that way soon.

According to an AARP survey on baby boomers and healthcare issues, "Nearly two out of ten adults age 45 and older are not very confident that they will be able to afford medical care in the coming year." The survey showed that 9% of respondents were not very confident and 10% weren't confident at all about affording health care, not a very encouraging result.

If the economy continues down its troubled path, these healthcare concerns will only worsen. I have heard some other points of view though, a glass half-full type of vision of what's happening. Some people are saying that a poorer economy will see people eating in more with healthier foods, rather than the huge high calorie, high fat, high salt foods that often come through the fast food restaurants. A slower economy may mean less expensive activities that can be replaced by hiking, cycling, or other outdoor activities. Socially, people may get together more as visiting family and friends becomes an entertainment alternative. So, maybe not all is bad. If we can keep healthier, we can keep our health costs down somewhat.

As a Canadian, I don't understand the strong opposition to having the government step in and help control healthcare costs and provide universal coverage for all and I feel very badly for those who have to make such tough decisions as to what is more important: eating or going to the doctor.