Regarding the recent story on life expectancy for Washington County women: Economics may play a role, but personal choice plays the top role in health.

I went to a local business and as I drove in four female employees were outside smoking. All were overweight; three appeared to be bordering on morbid obesity. All appeared out of shape and obviously not taking care of themselves. Is this because they are poor? Or because of their poor choices?

They obviously have enough money for $5 packs of cigarettes. Their choice. Another choice: A bag of chips for $3 or a bag of organic apples for the same $3? Don’t blame it on poverty. We need to stop making excuses for our poor choices. And who is paying for their choices? You are.

Matthew Guthrie

Calais