Welcome to the group of the unhealthy.
We drink more and are more obese than our parents' generation, according to research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control. But it's OK because we smoke less.
As of the age of 18, we become part of the group the CDC reports as being most likely to not receive medical care, prescriptions, mental health and dental care because of cost.
About 30 percent of people ages 18 to 24 do not have health insurance, according to 2006 census statistics.
Most can easily see how our lack of health should raise our interest in health care policies; however, the issue is often overlooked.
Health care is one of those little luxuries in life that many people take for granted, and upon graduating from college when the big, bad world of insurance is ours to face, we often have no idea where to start.
Traditionally businesses have offered health care to new employees, and while that can still be the case today it is becoming less common.
However, either way, with the given job market it would be unwise to turn down an otherwise perfect job opportunity based on the benefits package alone.
Which brings us to the point; we need to educate ourselves.
There are dozens of variations on health care including a slew of acronyms ranging from HMO to PPO and PCP that go in one ear and out the other.
Private health care companies offer coverage options to those who cannot receive it through their job or are unemployed.
Ball State University even offers health insurance for students who do not have it at a somewhat low cost.
Sooner or later, however, we'll leave the safe confines of student status and be faced with the dilemma of finding our own health insurance or playing Russian roulette with our health.
Now might be a good time to start exercising.
It's cheaper to stay healthy than pay for health care.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
