The March 26 newspaper posed the question of ethics in transplants in light of Dick Cheney's recent heart transplant at age 71. This got me thinking about other health care issues.
Having had five previous heart attacks, one must wonder if Cheney took care of himself. Many patients who require constant hospitalization often disregard doctors' orders to change their lifestyles and take their medications. Each hospitalization requires incredible amounts of money to keep them alive along with the help of numerous consultants. This can be considered an abuse of the system.
We all need to take better care of ourselves by living and eating healthy, and not only depend on others to fix us when we break down.
Merie Ellen Gushi
Waikapu
