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OPINIONS
Voice of the people
Residents must increase activity
As part of the degree requirements for obtaining a bachelor's degree in nursing from West Virginia University, students were required to choose a Healthy People 2010 objective that aims to improve the health and lifestyles of the citizens of their communities. After extensive research, the most prevalent health need for Logan County was determined to be in the areas of nutrition and obesity awareness.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranked West Virginia third in obesity prevalence in 2006. According to the state Department of Health and Human Resources, Logan County ranked first in obesity prevalence among West Virginia counties with a rate of 40.4 percent, and the county ranked eighth in the state for lack of leisure activity. These statistics alone presented a health crisis for the citizens of Logan County.
Citizens must take action to control this obesity epidemic for not only adults, but children as well. Studies show that overweight children and adolescents can be at a greater risk for health problems during their youth and as adults. Easy steps such as limiting the amount of fast food consumed and promoting healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables can help reduce obesity rates. Engaging in an active lifestyle with jogging or bicycling can help boost metabolism in adults and children.
By making simple lifestyle changes, citizens can decrease the risk of many diseases and health conditions related to poor nutrition and obesity, including hypertension, osteoarthritis, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea and respiratory problems and some cancers. For more information, visit www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hp2010.
Kristin Neal
Barboursville
State shouldn't profit off memorials
I wish to respond to the article in the paper about the West Virginia Division of Highways wanting to charge for the roadside memorials placed by the families of the highway fatality victims. I think this is a horrible idea, and it really upsets me to think that this state would seek to profit from someone's death.
And think of what it must do to their grieving families, some of whom may not have the means to do this. Their own memorial is the only way they can deal with this tragedy. Please do not do this.
I am speaking from personal experience. My grandson lost his best friend in a freak accident on Interstate 64 almost two years ago, and it still seems like yesterday that we were coming to grips with his death. If placing some flowers where he lost his young life brings peace to his family and friends, please do not attempt to profit by it.
Barbara Smithers
Huntington
