The ever-rising cost of crude oil is affecting consumers in more ways than just what they pay at the pump for gasoline, which reached a National average of $3.11 in mid-November. Many common household items are derived from oil (plastic products, polyester, synthetic rubber and soapless cleaners just to name a few) which, coupled with increased shipping costs, is causing most Americans to closely monitor their spending and cut-back where they can. I think we’ve all felt the pinch and have tried to phase out spending money on unnecessary items and amenities like that $6 Starbuck’s Caramel Macchiato on the drive to work, certain name brand products at the grocery store and the health care of our children.
According to a poll conducted over the summer, before the gas prices even passed the $3 gallon plateau, 6% of parents surveyed admitted to cancelling a doctor’s appointment and/or not buying medication for their children in 2007 due to the cost of gasoline. If these numbers are accurate, that equates to over 4 million children on a national level that have had a medical visit or medications postponed because of high gas prices. Now, I think the easy targets here are the heartless and gluttonous oil companies as well as the self-interested politicians and policy makers, but I am going against the grain on this one and placing the blame squarely on the parents.
If you’re a parent in the lower 6% of this bell curve who thinks sacrificing the health of your child is justified due to the global demand of crude oil causing the price per barrel to flirt with the $100 mark I’d like to walk you through a simple exercise. You’ll need a piece of paper and a pencil, preferably a No.2 (ink is derived from oil you know). Ready?
Make a list of everything you can possibly cut-back on or sacrifice as a way to save money due to the high cost of gasoline, but leave “Denying My Child Healthcare” off the list for now. I’ll give you a couple minutes.
Done?
Alright, now that you're done take your kid to the Doctor.
(Photo: Bloomberg.com)
