A new public service announcement from the federal government’s new National Coordinator of Health Information Technology.

[Camera pans over empty rooms in a dimly lit, well-furnished house. Senior male voiceover begins.]

I’ve lived a good life. I don’t want to be a burden on my family or the good taxpayers of America . . .

[Pan over unused swimming pool and immaculate yard]

Working hard a McDonald’s, Jiffy Lube, or Waffle House just to make ends meet.

[Cut to old man at a kitchen table with a glass of wine, speaking into the camera. Shake the camera to add realism.]

My doctor told me medication for people my age was becoming scarcer by the day, so I asked him what I could do to help ease me onto the next life. He said, “Try salt.”

[Cut to salt pouring slowly, gracefully, from 5 lb. container.]

He said, “Salt tastes great, and eating more salt can raise your blood pressure which will shorten your life.”

[Show old man salting his steak, salting his wine, taking of the lid off the shaker and pouring it down his throat. Continue voiceover.]

Now, I eat salt with everything. And I eat more processed foods, because they’re rich in wonderful, life-affirming salt.

[Cut to man speaking to camera]

You know, I’ve lived a good, long life, and with salt, I can pass on that life to my children and yours. Cheers.

[compassionate female voiceover] One in four men will probably have a stroke by age 85. Get yours over with sooner by using more salt. Pass on the good life. A message from thoughtful people at the office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology.