http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/we-cannot-afford-not-to-reform-nhs-says-david-cameron-2186428.html
In the UK we are lucky enough to enjoy state healthcare which is paid for out of the INCOME TAX paid by the working person. (I stress this point as I get infuriated by countparts who quote National Insurance as the source, IT’S NOT).
Our current Prime Minister is looking to reform our healthcare policies that outline what the NHS does and how it does it. A suggested outcome of this, that is being pushed around, is that those who lead an unhealthy lifestyle will end up having to pay for services.
So, where do I stand… or should that be flomp?
I work hard and have done for many years, I paid to go to university and i have always paid my contributions both in tax and NI. I am at my least fittest in terms of climbing mountains and my most fittest in terms of stress levels. I am at my heaviest and my prettiest.
Firstly, if you can prove that the health issue i have, is a result of my lifestyle choice, then yes, i think to ask me to pay a reasonable amount is justifiable. Providing i have been prewarned by my GP that this is a potential future -who needs to learn manners-.
Part of this should involve regular health check ups, like one has with ones teeth. Then all parties are informed of current health situations - blood pressure,blood sugar, medication if applicable, smear/breast jiggle for lumps/ update on period regularity, etc -.
I am a person and I am responsible. And if i chose to live an unhealthy lifestyle, i should not expect others to pay the tab. I pay for the food to go in my mouth and i will pay by my health - potentially/allegedly - if i sit on my bottom and don’t exercise it off.
There is already legislation around smokers/alcohol dependants and transplants.
Where there is risk, there is responsibility.
The issue grows around those who don’t work.
They will end up getting treatment free, much like they do prescriptions on the NHS. This i think is fundementally wrong. If you are on state benefits such as JSA, ESA or DLA, why should you be able to claim full free medical care (based on the principal that the medical condition is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle)?
There are plenty of jobs out there (note i say jobs and not careers). Pay in to the NHS pot and then you can take out.
Regardless of ability to work, if you CHOOSE to live a way that you have been INFORMED will detriment your HEALTH then only YOU are RESPONSIBLE for the consequences, not the state.
We are lucky, very lucky to have the NHS but it is abused beyond belief, as are state benefits which are not there to fund lifestyle choices but provide basic necessities - food, shelter, warmth, clothing -.
However, as i pointed out at the beginning, in many ways i am mentally healthier and more stress free than i have ever been. My only reoccurring health problem is hayfever - I pay for my own antihistamines, not NHS - and the only medication i take is the contraceptive pill - which again i pay for -.
I check my weight, blood pressure and sugar levels regularly. I have been for sexual health check ups, Body MOT’s, Smears, Breast checks. You name it, i take responsibility for my choices and i always have.
So i deserve +points over those who don’t. Being fat does not = lazy about health. Neither does having 6+ alcoholic drinks, every other weekend (binge drinking) or smoking. Especially is this is the only vice you have and you keep on top of it.
So, go ahead, charge me if my health needs treatment due to my improper care and attention, give me health check-ups and appropriate advice, and ensure that every single person is viewed the same and both negative and positive steps are taken into account. I will not complain.
The argument over what should be paid, well, that is another issue i need to look into further before i can comment. Eating disorders are a grey area and not one i think can be included in this debate
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