To the editor:

George Bryjak’s letter of Nov. 22 in the paper got it half right. Yes, prescription drugs are expensive. But why do we need them so much? It’s because we are a nation of fat and sick people. “Health care” is no longer correct. We should call it “sick care” because that’s what it really is.

Why are we so fat and sick? It’s because of what we eat. Much of what’s in the grocery store is processed. We load up our carts with frozen foods, canned goods, boxed foods and more that promote sickness rather than good health.

The other day, I watched a video clip of a woman using her food stamps to purchase groceries. Almost all of her groceries consisted of processed foods. I saw frozen pizza, frozen french fries, boxed, easily made meals, cookies, crackers and more. Probably less than 1% of what was in her cart was healthy eating. And while I didn’t see her in the clip, I’d bet she was overweight.

Processed food has been around for a long time. Why? Because it tastes good and is easy to prepare. I love processed foods just as much as anybody. But I have to remind myself that anytime I choose something loaded with additives, preservatives and a long ingredient list, I’m setting myself up for sickness over time.

If we want to eat healthier, we should start by making the produce aisle in the store our best friend. Have a salad every day and make it more than just iceberg lettuce and tomatoes. There are all kinds of wonderful produce out there. Watch the dressings. Many are loaded with sugar, salt and fat. Read the ingredients on the back.

When you’re grocery shopping, never go hungry. Learn what areas of the store to avoid. Walk past the boxed, canned and bottled processed foods. Watch frozen dinners. Yes, they taste good, but they’re loaded with things you don’t want in your body. Always turn boxed, canned or bottled foods over. Read the ingredients, and if the list is long, put it back.

If we started eating healthier, we’d get sick a lot less. And getting sick a lot less means less need for prescription drugs. Everywhere I look, I see overweight people. They’re all different ages, but it’s their size that concerns me the most. Being overweight makes you more prone to sickness. Diabetes, cancer and many autoimmune diseases are on the rise. And most of it can be attributed to what we eat.

So, Mr. Bryjak, you got it half right. Maybe it’s time to focus less on the cost of prescription drugs and more on what we eat.

Wendy Foley

Saranac Lake