Not Buying It

We’re told a lot that there is a great divide in health due to a person’s low socioeconomic status (SES).  That is that someone’s low income and education affects their ability to make positive health choices.

This is rubbish and I’m not buying it.  Low SES people can’t avoid the same campaigns as the rest of us.  They are everywhere.  Most low SES people have televisions and watch the ads, they see the billboards, and they see the warning posters that pubs and clubs by law have to display.

Low SES people know that smoking is bad for their lungs.  They see the warnings on every packet they purchase.  But they smoke willingly and expect the health system to fix any health concern.

Low SES people know that fatty foods are bad for their heart.  But they eat it willingly then expect modern pharmaceuticals to keep their heart pumping forever.  Were told that fresh food is expensive, yet I saw broccoli for 99c and a 1kg bag of carrots for $1.49.  Plus there’s an Aldi supermarket everywhere that could help you create dinner for four people for less than $10, probably with leftovers.  That is, if you could be bothered.

You can’t even say that basic dental care isn’t accessible.  Toothbrush and toothpaste available anywhere for less than $3 and would last for a month.

The problem isn’t really education or low SES.  The problem is our lazy culture.  People cry poor yet can spend upwards $20 per week on cigarettes and $40 per week on beer.  There are some major priority issues.

They know better, they just don’t want to.

Our Turn

Further to my post on charities crying poor. 

I received a letter from a charity I support regarding their government grant being cut.  The shortfall in their budget meant that 1 in 4 children could not be assisted by their programs.  This of course is a shame.  But neither individuals, nor organisations, nor corporations ought to become dependent on government handouts.  Their government assistance was called a grant, but it may as well have been called welfare.

It points to the sad truth that our generosity has declined as our government dependence has increased.  This situation was portrayed as a travesty of compassion.  Instead it could be the best thing to happen to the charity.  There will be a financial shortfall, but if their service is considered necessary then the community will step up and contribute greater than the government ever would. 

The financial hole for charities isn’t for the government to fill.  It’s a reality check to us as a community.  It’s our turn to step up.