There have been several items in the Herald lately that discuss the cost of health care. However, in all the discussions, I see a lack of placing responsibility for one's health on the person directly. Herein, I will argue that we can reduce costs to a level we can afford -- and the key is motivating people to lead healthier lives.

A simple example is use of motorcycle helmets. Suppose the policy was that if you suffer a head injury while riding a motorcycle without a helmet, your fellow citizens will not cover all of the cost of your recovery. You did something stupid; you have to pay for some (or all) of the consequences. It could be argued that your injury is "due to your own misconduct."

Or consider smoking. Is there an adult in America who does not know that tobacco is a poison that destroys your lungs, heart and other body tissues? Yet, some 20 percent of us continue to smoke! An argument could be made that the other 80 percent should not have to pay the medical expenses (or at least all of them) of fools who destroy their bodies voluntarily through smoking.

I know this sounds harsh. If someone thinks so, please explain why -- in the face of all the evidence of the damage it does to your body -- you continue to smoke and why your fellow citizens should subsidize your health care expenses.

I could go on about obesity, physical fitness, etc., but the general principle is the same -- each citizen should take more responsibility for his or her health, and those who don't should not have his or her health costs paid for by the healthier ones among us.

Andrew Hesser, Richland