Individuals are responsible for their own health

Yes, healthcare in Nunavut has a lot of deficiencies. Yes, Nunavut has its own particular problems due to its physical size, as well as climate.

However, a preventative health and dental program could help drastically reduce health-care costs. We are responsible for what we eat. If we choose to persist in eating foods that put us at risk for diabetes, heart attacks, cancer and high blood pressure, and smoke, why should the government subsidize this lifestyle?

Children of three, four and five years are still having either all their teeth pulled or capped, yet their parents continue to indulge them with pop, chips, candy and chocolate bars.

Responsibility for oneself and family resides in the family at home and not in the education system. The education system can reinforce what is taught in the home, but primary learning needs to take place in the home.

Surely these are areas where health costs could be dramatically reduced and used for more worthwhile lifesaving endeavours.

Kyra Fisher
Kimmirut