Dear Dad,

The last time we got together, we debated whether or not America has the best health care in the world. Well, here's more fuel to my argument for the fattening up and dumbing down of America.

An excerpt from today's Parade Magazine "Is America Still No. 1?", by David Wallenchinksy:

In the realm of health, the United States has a contradictory record. We are first (with at least 20 other countries) in terms of our citizens having access to clean water and sanitation facilities. We spend more money per person on health care a year ($5,700) than any country, and a greater percentage of our gross domestic product (more than 15%) goes to health care. But are we getting our money's worth? Forty-three countries have more doctors per capita, including France, Switzerland, Mongolia and Lebanon. Forty-nine have more hospital beds per capita than the U.S. - the United Kingdom, Italy, and Ireland, for example. Thirty-three nations, including Cuba, have a lower infant death rate than the U.S., and 28 have a lower maternal death rate. We rank 30th in life expectancy for women and 28th for mean. In each of these health-related categories, the U.S. position has steadily declined over the last 20 years.

The U.S. used to be first in life expectancy for women who already have reached the age of 65. Now we are 20th. Part of the problem is that we consume more calories per capita than the citizens of any other nation, and we lead the world in the prevalence of obesity.

So Dad, what you say? Do we really have the best health care system in the world? Am I just blowing smoke, when I say Americans are getting dumber and fatter? We lead the world in obesity. Obesity causes diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

Whew! This writing has taxed me. My sugar is low. It's time for another Big Mac!

Love,

Pierre Cutler
The Sacramento Executive