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OPINIONS
Editorial: Obesity report emphasizes need for fitness efforts
The West Virginia 5K Run/Walk Championship took place June 6 in Huntington. Locally, fitness has become a priority for many individuals and organizations since a news report last fall labeled the Huntington-Ashland area the nationÕs fattest metropolitan area.
Purchase this photoOnce again, West Virginia ranks as one of the "fattest" states in the nation, underscoring the importance of initiatives under way in the Tri-State to promote fitness.
The annual Trust for America's Health report says 31.1 percent of adults in the Mountain State are obese -- the third highest percentage among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Last year, West Virginia ranked second. Kentucky and Ohio ranked seventh and 10th, respectively, this year.
In West Virginia, the proportion of people considered obese increased .4 of a percentage point from the year before. While a decline in the percentage would have been preferred, it's worth noting that only seven other states had smaller increases.
Sadly, that's simply a signal that obesity is a nationwide problem.
Locally, fitness has become a priority for many individuals and organizations since a news report last fall labeled the Huntington-Ashland area the nation's fattest metropolitan area. Those efforts -- aimed at exercise and healthier eating -- should continue full throttle, and people not yet taking part in them should consider getting on board, for their own sakes.
Technology sharing is efficient approach
Lincoln County has invested in bracelets that test criminal offenders on home confinement or probation for alcohol consumption -- a move that makes sense in cases where alcohol is a known component of the offender's problems.
The bracelets -- known as Secure Continuous Alcohol Monitoring devices, or SCRAM -- are placed on ankles and can test offenders every 30 minutes for alcohol consumption by analyzing perspiration.
The system wasn't exactly cheap -- it cost the county $20,000 -- but the county is requiring offenders who wear the SCRAM bracelet to pay $11 a day. Lincoln County Chief Probation Officer Jerry L. Swanson said alcohol contributes to many of his county's home confinement and probation violations, and he believes alcohol is a factor in more crime than any other drug.
Cabell County officials, although positive about the technology, don't feel the need for such bracelets in Cabell would justify the cost, so they have no intention of purchasing the bracelets. However, Lincoln County will offer the service to neighboring counties when it seems appropriate for a particular offender, and Cabell County officials are considering one now.
This possible sharing is part of a regionalized approach to sharing technology for home incarceration. Lincoln County can share its SCRAM bracelets, while Cabell County shares its tracking technology for monitoring an offender's whereabouts.
That cooperative approach is an efficient way to implement technological advances in dealing with offenders when truly needed and consequently save on jail and prison costs.
Energizer candidate deserves support
When word came that Tim White was a finalist for the Energizer Good Going Hall of Fame, Eve Marcum-Atkinson summed up well the thoughts of a lot of people who know White.
"He epitomizes the Energizer Bunny in that he doesn't stop," she said. "He tirelessly looks for ways to better the community."
The battery and flashlight company's Hall of Fame recognizes people who best exhibit perseverance, determination and a never-quit attitude. Sounds like White, doesn't it?
White was named coordinator of Huntington's Weed and Seed program in December, and in a short time has moved it quickly into action to fight crime and develop programs to help people. Before that, he guided several programs helping youth stay out of trouble and position themselves for better futures.
He now is one of 10 finalists from across the country for the Hall of Fame award, which will be determined through online voting at www.energizer.com/halloffame. Based on White's boundless efforts to make Huntington a better place, we think he deserves your vote, which can be cast once a day through Aug. 7.
