Editor,
I sympathize with people who can’t afford health insurance, and I agree that health care costs are too high, but that is only a symptom of a much bigger problem. We live in a society that financially punishes people who try to be healthy.
It costs anywhere from $2.50 to $4 for a nutritious Odwalla drink as opposed to $4 for a 12-pack of soda. There is not a single healthy restaurant with prices comparable to McDonald’s dollar menu. As for exercise, some people pay for gym memberships plus tax to workout while others sit and watch basic television for free.
The government needs to tax fast food and energy drinks like they do with cigarettes. They also need to provide tax incentives for companies that provide wholesome products. If it becomes cheaper to do healthy things than to live out our current self-destructive tendencies, dependence on health care will decrease. The insurance problem will be solved.
Casey Echternacht
UNM student
