Controlling health care costs has been a difficult challenge. Providing access to adequate health insurance for everyone who needs it has been equally difficult. And just as challenging have been efforts to improve the general health of Americans of all ages and, thereby, reduce the burden of avoidable health care use on the system.

Too many people continue to smoke, including a baffling number of young people. Too many people are overweight, especially in North Dakota. And too many abuse alcohol and drugs. This is despite generations of programs cajoling the public to adopt healthy lifestyles by schools, hospitals, health departments, and state and federal programs.

There appear to be no magic solutions to any of these three health challenges. Congress, under urging from the Obama administration, is taking on health care costs and access to health insurance. The final solution on these two fronts isn't in sight. And the summer will likely be hotter as the result of the contentious verbal friction in the U.S. House and Senate.

While our personal decisions on seeking treatment and choosing insurance affect cost and access to health care, a case can be made that healthy lifestyles are more a personal and family responsibility. Living up to that responsibility hasn't been stellar; hence, government programs, mostly educational and informational programs, that expose people to healthy nutrition and fitness information so that they can make the right choices for themselves and their families.

In North Dakota, especially in the Bismarck-Mandan area, we tout the quality of life. Boosters point to the great hunting and fishing. They brag about the quick access to the Missouri River and Badlands. Recreation trails abound. There are pools and courts. Clean air. Plenty of sun. Yet there's an odd disconnect between embracing our local quality of life, with its strong emphasis on the outdoors, and living healthy lifestyles that support the idea of quality of life.

Seeking a healthy lifestyle is a personal responsibility, and there's plenty of help out there for anyone willing to do their part.

Locally, we have Activate Bismarck-Mandan, Mandan Community Center, Missouri Valley YMCA and a host of fitness places. You can get a fitness coach or a life coach. You can attend nutrition classes or take yoga or Pilates. You can ride horse or bike, and swim, run or walk. You can do it alone, with a friend or in a group. Use a ball:golf, volleyball, basketball, football, soccer. You choose.

When it comes to health, does a person really want to leave it all up to government? Probably not. Choose to be responsible for your health.