Background: As a registered nurse working both in hospitals and nursing homes, I saw the results of many people chronically sick and critically sick. Much of this was due to negligence on the part of the patient. I realize that many folks can't afford any kind of health care but I saw many times those people getting the best care at public expense.
The old people had a saying, "Penny wise, Pound foolish." For health care, this means that if you think you're saving a few dollars by putting off going to the doctor you'll probably spend a lot more down the road.
Situation #1: Kerry was a 'real man' who never got sick, knew that all doctors were 'just out to get your money' and never went to a dentist because his teeth felt okay. He didn't want his wife, Jane, taking their little kids to the doctor for check-ups but she ignored him and took the children anyway. One year Kerry had a bad toothache. He thought it would go away if he took aspirin. Several days later, he could no longer stand the pain and had to have an emergency surgical extraction by a dental specialist with a co-pay of several thousand dollars. Regular dental check-ups surely could have prevented this painful situation and actually saved Kerry money. Jane worried severely for many years about Kerry's neglect of his own health. Finally, she got tired of worrying, feeling he wouldn't listen to anyone, and made sure he had good life insurance. Last time I saw Kerry, he had spaces for several more missing teeth.
Situation #2: Melody was a really sweet lady, 45 years old with 3 children and a husband who adored her. She had smoked since she was a teenager. Now she had developed heart problems. Her doctor told her: "Smoking is killing you. Your heart can't take it much longer. You must quit - now." For some reason, Melody couldn't or didn't want to quit smoking. Within several months, she had a heart attack and died. We all miss her.
Situation #3: James is a insulin-dependent diabetic and was a smoker. One time James asked me, "When I wake up in the morning, my tongue is stuck to the roof of my mouth. What do you think causes it?" I asked James, "How many times a day do you check your sugar?" He said, "Oh, they check it at the doctor's office." My turn: "James, how often do you see the doctor?" James: "Once a year!" James has nearly lost various ones of his arms or legs several times already. His eyes are failing. My prediction: he won't live to see 60.
Lessons learned: Prevention, prevention, prevention! Another old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." You don't need me preaching at you. You know what to do. Do it for the sake of those who love you, please!
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