By SheelaR

It’s 3 AM, and instead of peacefully dreaming, I’m wide awake with a bad cold and lupus-related joint pain that feels like it’s throwing a party in my body. On nights like this, I find solace in my earbuds, listening to music or diving into true crime podcasts. They somehow help me drift into a slumber, even when I’m battling discomfort. It’s funny how, even when sleep eludes me, I feel better at night than I did during the day. I’ve spent the day lounging in bed, eating all three meals there – the picture of a cozy but challenging day.

Now, I know it sounds rough, and believe me, some days are definitely harder than others. But here’s the thing: I still have a lot of good days where I can live a fairly normal life. I can appreciate the little things, go out, and enjoy the world around me. I consider myself lucky, and I recognize that, compared to so many others, I have an incredible support system in terms of health care. I have fantastic health insurance and access to excellent medical care, which makes a tremendous difference.

But it really baffles me when I look around and see that so many Americans don’t have that same luxury. The conversation around universal health care is more important now than ever. It should be a right, not a privilege. We live in a country that values equality and opportunity, yet many are still fighting for access to basic health care. That just doesn’t sit right with me. 

Universal health care works, and I see why we need it. First off, imagine removing the anxiety that comes with medical bills. For those struggling to make ends meet, the mere thought of needing to visit the doctor can be overwhelming. Without universal health care, many avoid doctors’ visits altogether, opting instead to risk their health. This isn’t just about individuals; it puts a strain on the entire healthcare system. 

Another thing to consider is preventive care. With universal health care, people would have the opportunity to catch health issues before they escalate. Regular check-ups and screenings would lead to healthier populations overall, and consequently, reduced emergency room visits. 

Moreover, your health shouldn’t be dictated by your job or your income. With universal health care, everyone gets the same level of care regardless of their employment situation. It’s about leveling the playing field, ensuring everyone has access to necessary medical attention. This would also mean we could focus more on wellness, not just illness.

Plus, let’s talk about mental health. Under such a system, mental health care could be prioritized just as much as physical health. Everyone deserves access to therapists, counselors, and the support they need without worrying about draining their bank account. 

It’s also worth noting that universal health care isn’t a new concept. Many countries have had systems in place for years, and they’ve seen positive results. We’re talking about happier, healthier populations. People can focus on their careers, families, and communities without the looming shadow of healthcare costs. 

Of course, implementing universal health care isn’t without its challenges. There would be discussions on how to pay for it, how to administer it, and what that would mean for the current healthcare system. But shouldn’t it be worth at least having those discussions? Shouldn’t every person have the right to live without the fear of medical bankruptcy?

So here I am, wide awake at 3 AM, reflecting on my struggles and gratitude. Even with my bad cold and joint pain, I recognize that I am fortunate. But I also genuinely believe we can do better. We can create a system that ensures health care isn’t just for the select few but accessible to all. We deserve a system that allows everyone, no matter their background, to have the health care they need. 

Here’s to hoping for changes that can bring about a healthier future for everyone, because everyone deserves that chance.