Pugmire wrote:Esternial wrote:I just said that an unhealthy lifestyle costs the healthcare system less money, and "germane in the UK" is the best response you could come up with? Are the rules so different in America, or are you simply grasping at the first best thing you can come up with so you can avoid acknowledging the existence of this fact?
More evasive replies or an actual response? If you're unable to find a proper argument, just don't reply and I'll get the message. Please spare me any more excuses - and please leave the dab of pseudo-intellectual vocabulary for another debate.
The fact that you think "germane" is pseudo-intellectual vocabulary speaks more about you than it does me. And my point was simply that your link to that article is a non-sequitur. Why? Because it makes points about the UK's healthcare system that do not apply to the USA. Please do read the article and present any points that you feel apply to this discussion.
No, your phrasing just is. Adding a few eloquent words won't really make it any better than it is, but you'll get there one day if you keep trying. English isn't even my first language, but I'm fairly certain 'germane' is not a frequently used word.
The most relevant point is that procedures and treatments for things such as Alzheimers and other illnesses that tend to appear later in life can be quite expensive, and that the costs could very well outweigh those of treatment of lung cancer and other illnesses associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, taking into consideration the reduction in overall life expectancy of these unhealthy people.
The overall argument - regardless of which healthcare system we're talking about - is that a shorter lifespan reduces the likelihood of certain afflictions arising, some of which are very expensive to treat compared to those caused by smoking or binge drinking/eating.
I'm also curious as to which points about the UK's healthcare system you are referring to.