brian, I DO worry about my aging brethren living in the “red states.” Even the ones significantly younger than me don’t seem to take very good care of themselves. I’m pretty sure most vote Republican and some vote Independent. Even many people “of color” (whatever that means, lol) living in “red states” vote Republican and there are many Republican elected representatives “of color.”
I see huge populations of these “red states” not being healthy enough to “weather the storm” (last until old age). I think this mindset is a function of local food and culture (incl smoking allowed in restaurants, bars and offices), the dearth of fresh produce in many areas and wanting freedom from all government restrictions (having thin local governments to protect them from polluted waters and so forth). The meth scrouge has invaded the states of KS, MO, IL, TN, AR, OK (and maybe others), incl their environments and their thin ranks of rural law enforcement cannot keep up with it (even with the DEA “setting up shop” in targeted areas there). I think there is a bit of malaise caused by “situational depression” going around in some of those parts but if you ask the locals if they would ever consider relocating, the answer is a resounding, NO! They love where they are.
I don’t know the answer. Perhaps more education on TV there on nutrition and effects of environmental hazards??
We’re all going to have to pay for their healthcare in one way or another beginning 2014.
