In a letter of mine from a few months ago, I argued that those receiving health care should be required to engage in behavior that promotes health. That requirement would reduce costs (by not providing health care for those who abused their bodies), and would increase health (some of those who would otherwise abuse their bodies would stop doing so).

Responding, Elizabeth Kellett of Walpole asked about babies whose mothers could not afford healthy food or a gym. A gym is not essential. A recent Washington Post article suggested that one should aim for “150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week — such as walking, gardening or light jogging — or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise.” No gym needed.

Lou Giard of Turner suggested that I was in favor of universal health care. I am not.

Daniel Bryant of Cape Elizabeth wrote: “Healthy lifestyles are certainly important but that’s like saying universal national defense is problematic because it means defending people who don’t pump iron and maintain private arsenals.” That was hardly my position — 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week is not equivalent to a private arsenal.

And Delene Perley of Portland wrote: “He does not want these people to get medical care on his dime because they are to blame for their ‘illness.’”

However, it is the “system,” not them, that is to blame, since the “system” provides medical care regardless of how they treat their bodies.

Let’s keep the debate alive.

William Vaughan Jr.
Chebeague Island