Though I both agree with this and consider it generally sound advice, I do plan to be cautious (and never actually scale a conifer, because omgwtfheights) and start slow. I'm really a coward at heart so I am not at all eager to do anything which will part me from my limbs. My roommate just yesterday inserted herself into the middle of a dog fight and we ended up in the emergency room (it was a pretty minor injury, but needed stitches, plus a good old fashioned tetanus shot), and it did occur to me that a similar visit for me would pretty well break the bank. On the other had, I simply can't make the rest of my bills if I opt in for health insurance and its associated premiums.

tl;dr: America's health care system sucks balls.