Op-Ed

Healthier days are on the way

Your health and renewable energy

By Richard Bartlett

These days it's all about health care. Locally it has long been all about the wind farm. But for those who have good long-term memories, the two are easily combined.

Cape Wind's contribution to cleaner air would save 12-15 unnecessary deaths locally per year with  5,000 fewer cases of asthma.

Remember back in the early days of the wind turbine debate the American Lung Association and Harvard School of Public Health issued the results of their study.

They said Cape Wind's contribution to cleaner air would save 12-15 unnecessary deaths locally per year, and with the reduction in pollution 5,000 fewer cases of asthma would occur annually. Victims of pollution are not reported as such, but they are among those dying from heart attack, asthma, and lung cancer.

So due to all the obstructionist shenanigans about 75 of our neighbors died before their time. That is quite a burden on the consciences of those politicians and oceanside MacMansion dwellers who have dedicated their political capital and millions of dollars to block or delay progress.

With Obama leading the health care movement it's not just about insurers and big Pharma. Personal responsibility for a good lifestyle and illness prevention are crucial. Breathing cleaner air is certainly a part of this regimen. Ask your doctor if this isn't true.

So as soon as Sec. Salazar locates his fountain pen we can all happily take a deep breath.

Richard C. Bartlett, Cotuit