Voice of the people

Get healthy with better choices

In 2005, West Virginia joined the nation in a federal initiative entitled Healthy People 2010. This program contains objectives that will guide the nation to a healthier lifestyle. West Virginia is receiving failing marks. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the state.

Heart disease does not recognize age. Each individual needs to be aware that the choices we make today will affect our health our entire life. Now is the time to make the move to preventing heart disease. By taking charge of your life, not only do you become healthier, but you can prevent heart disease. This can be done by a few simple changes to your lifestyle.

Let's get physical. The hardest part of this commitment is taking that first step. West Virginia offers numerous opportunities to get physical. The state parks offer opportunities to hike, bike, run, etc. Many communities have local walking clubs, running groups, biking groups, etc., that one can join. All it takes is putting forth that first step. Each step afterward becomes easier.

Did your mom ever tell you that the way to a person's heart is through his or her stomach? This old saying speaks loudly when applied to your heart. Everyone knows that salt and fat aren't good for you, but old habits are hard to break. Flavor your foods with herbs, spices, lemon, lime, vinegar or salt-free seasoning blends. Don't be afraid to experiment. Don't diet; change your eating habits.

Partner with your doctor to make these changes become a part of your everyday life. Know your blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as you know your children's names. Heart health is a lifelong commitment. Get started today.

Illene Henson

Hurricane, W.Va.

Web comments get mean and nasty

I always enjoyed reading the letters to the editor in "Voice of the People." It is interesting to hear and understand what others think about our communities, our way of life, current issues, politics or religion. I thought that when the forums, blogs and comments were added that yet another level of understanding would be accomplished. I have been sadly disappointed.

The "comments" to articles encourage participants bent on name calling, prejudice and abusive language. I truly believe that everyone has a right to their opinion, but wisdom should govern the forum in which you exercise this right. Some things do not belong in print.

A recent writer called people who chose to live outside the city limits "lazy ---s." In my experience, people who choose to live in the country have to work harder for what they have. It's a sacrifice, but one made by choice, just as others live in the city for certain conveniences. Each has made a sacrifice to live the way they want to live.

Also, why do you limit the number of words for Voice of the People and allow comments to go on indefinitely? Not fair or reasonable.

Susan Dearnell

Gallipolis, Ohio

Ending drug war makes sense

Thanks for publishing the thoughtful letter "Drug war only compounds problem" on July 26.

If all types of recreational drugs were re-legalized and sold in regulated, controlled and taxed business establishments for pennies per dose, our overall crime rate would decline dramatically, and our public safety would increase substantially.

And, I believe that our overall hard drug usage rates would decline substantially. That's because drug dealers as we know them today would disappear for economic reasons.

The first time almost all drug users use a particular drug, they don't buy it; either a friend or drug dealer gives it to them.

Most retail drug dealers of hard drugs are addicts themselves. They sell drugs to finance their own drug habit and recruit new users by offering free samples to potential customers. With the end of drug prohibition, this practice would end for economic reasons.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.