Swine flu isn’t the only epidemic in the United States right now.

Our never-ending interest in cheap deals, combined with a craving for tasty treats, has led to a serious outcome: a fast food obsession is sweeping the country.

Yes, we’re all trying to save money, and our fast-paced society doesn’t leave us time to slave over a stove for two hours every night.

But the real reason for this epidemic is that it’s just too easy to swing by McDonald’s on the way home and pick up a meal.

But the easy way isn’t the best way. Fast food is putting many of us on the fast track to early death.

Obesity is the second-biggest cause of preventable death in America, according to the National Institutes of Health. About 300,000 people die every year as a result.

Such sobering statistics have made me rethink my eating habits. I’m all for saving money, especially being a college student. But money doesn’t matter much if you’re dead.

The average American spends about 10 percent of total income on food. In other countries such as Finland, France and Japan, that number ranges from 15 to over 20 percent. But interestingly, obesity rates are lower in those countries.

Health care reform is a highly-controversial topic right now, but we all could do ourselves a favor simply by eating better.

Aren’t both Democrats and Republicans looking for ways to make health care cheaper? This summer, a study showed that an obese American spends an average of $1,400 more per year on health costs than does a non-obese person.

That’s a nice chunk of change.

The cure for this epidemic is simple-spend more money and time on better food.

Yes, that’s a lot easier said than done. But it doesn’t have to be a radical overnight transformation. It starts with the little things. Make a sandwich once a week instead of buying fast food.

Get water instead of Coke when you eat out. With a little will power, those steps are easy to take. Your wallet will thank you, and in the long run, you’ll thank yourself.

And if enough people start making changes, we’re bound to see health care costs go down. Even if they don’t, you will reap tremendous rewards personally.

Who wouldn’t want that?

- Lindsay Grogan is a senior from Macon majoring in newspapers