Overpriced everyday needs; Bringing the cost down for necessities

Grace Feldbush, Event Coordinator

     These days many human necessities are overpriced. It should not be so difficult to get hold of things you would not be able to live without. 

     According to Health System Tracker, more than three out of four adults think prescription drugs cost too much. One out of three adults do not take their prescriptions because of the costs. If the costs are what is causing people to not take their medication, why is the cost still so high?

     Prescription drugs cost more in the US compared to other countries. Health System Tracker explains that the prices of brand name prescription drugs that treat conditions like diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and cardiovascular disease are more expensive in the U.S. than in Germany, the Netherlands, U.K., and Switzerland. 

     For many people these prescriptions are what keeps them going, getting through every day. For the prices to be so high some people just give up on taking them and getting better is ridiculous. Necessities should not be out of reach. 

     Glasses and contacts are another thing some humans need to get through every day. Without glasses some people may not be able to drive, read, complete school work, or any other day to day tasks like going to the grocery store. 

     According to Vision Center the average cost for new glasses is $195, although they can range from eight dollars to $600. This depends on the brand and the quality of glasses. 

     Purchasing eyeglasses should be at low cost so everyone who needs them can access them. Do you expect those who can’t afford them to walk around barely being able to see with blurry vision? No? Exactly. 

     Prom dresses and really just any formal dresses are way overpriced. Purchasing a prom dress for a high school dance can cost anywhere from $85-$700. On top of that you are still paying for shoes, the ticket, and other accessories like jewelry, hair, and makeup. 

     Who decided to make a high school dance cost so much? Most high schoolers make minimum wage making this a lot of money to spend for them. 

     Gas prices are the highest they have been in seven years. Transportation is necessary and to have gas prices so high is ridiculous. For high schoolers, they are always on the move with school, work, sports, clubs, and their social life. It is draining to work a job and spend so much of your paycheck on gas. 

      Maryland’s average for regular is now $3.53 a gallon which is up more than $1 from this time last year. Because of the gas prices, I am more careful with how I use my gas and only having my car on when I have to, turning it off right when I get somewhere. 

     There are a number of things that are overpriced in today’s world that need to be more cost effective, and I am sure others would agree with me.