The presidential election campaign for 2012 appears to be in full swing despite the election being almost a year and a half away. Health care looks to be one of the issues.

Just over six years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. Because I’ve been blessed with good health insurance, regular checkups are paid for, and the cancer was caught early. My treatment was a simple operation to remove the cancerous tissue, but I did not have to undergo radiation. I thank God that I have had a blessed six years with no recurring cancer.

This is not a plea for a particular political party’s health proposal. I only wish, after my experience, that all had the medical blessings that I do. I think of Jesus, who healed all who came to him in faith. He was touched by physical suffering, as his followers have been ever since. Healing was a gift given to some of the early followers. Medieval monastery hospices ministered to the sick. Many of today’s modern hospitals were begun by Christian groups.

Reasonable health care also might be seen as an investment. We make investments in roads and bridges and other infrastructure that we all use, regardless of how much we pay in taxes, because we know our economy functions better with such infrastructure. We invest in our schools and educational systems for the same reason. Public education is open to all Americans no matter how much their families pay in taxes because we believe an educated population is necessary for an effective and productive democracy.

Our country will better function if our citizens enjoy good health. Access to prevention-based health care leads to less illness, less expense, and less stress on families. Done correctly, it is an investment.