Letter: Less smoking would be major health care boost

Monday, Dec. 6, 2004 | 9:03 a.m.

Everybody knows smoking is one of the largest contributors to most of our health conditions. It is the major cause of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Add to that cancer, and too many other afflictions to mention.

I know how hard it is to quit, but I also know it can be done. I did it and if I can do it, anyone can. Less smoking in the country could go a long way toward improving health care, which seems to be the No. 1 issue for most people nowadays.

Remember -- less smoke means less illness. And the less illness, the less need for doctors, pills, health plans and attorneys. Just by enacting some rules and regulations, we could solve much of the problems associated with health care.

Here's some examples: No smoking in the work place. No smoking in any public place. No smoking in your vehicle if children are passengers. No smoking in homes where children are present. Casinos should have areas set aside for those who don't smoke.

I have a friend who is a foot doctor. He once told me if women stopped wearing high heels, he would lose half of his business. You get the point?

SHEL BERLATSKY

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