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Written by: Ari Hauptman

Published: 14 June 2009

Created: 13 June 2009

Last Updated: 13 June 2009

While I understand the severity of our state’s budget deficit, and the need to cut spending, I am saddened that the governor has proposed balancing the budget to the detriment of children’s health.

Accessible, affordable and adequate health care is necessary for all people, including children. By eliminating or reducing the number of children eligible for the Healthy Families program, California will put more children at risk for chronic illnesses.

Obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol – diagnoses previously reserved almost exclusively for adults – will go unchecked as parents are forced to forgo preventative care for their children, only seeking care in emergency situations.

As a pediatrician, I know that regular well child visits support a healthy childhood. All children have a basic right to a "medical home" where there is continuity of care that includes preventative health and anticipatory guidance (on issues such as healthy eating, active living, immunizations, safety, age appropriate issues) as well as a relationship with a health care provider built upon trust.

We’ll all pay a much higher price years from now, when heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other preventable illnesses shorten the lives of our next generation.

Ari Hauptman, M.D., F.A.A.P., is a North Bay board member with the American Heart Association. He works with the Department of Pediatrics at Kaiser Santa Rosa.

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Written by: PatriciaAn Raymundo-Schmidt

Published: 11 June 2009

Created: 11 June 2009

Last Updated: 11 June 2009

 

 

As I went to the Lake County Fairgrounds to see The Moving Wall Thursday afternoon, I entered into an atmosphere of stillness. I am not able to explain without being irreverent.

Being around the veterans and volunteers setting up for the dedication Friday reminded me how much I have taken life for granted.

This photo of this child by this powerful memorial may say it all.

PatriciaAn Raymundo-Schmidt lives in Lakeport.

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Written by: Gloria Hovde

Published: 09 June 2009

Created: 09 June 2009

Last Updated: 09 June 2009

After decades of stigma, high death rates and neglect, people with or at risk for lung cancer have reason to hope.

The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act (HR 2112) is the first-ever federal legislation that provides research funding for the most lethal and neglected of all cancers.

Lung Cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer above all others. It kills three times as many men as prostate cancer and twice as many women as breast cancer. It has been declared a national health epidemic.

Yet because of the smoking stigma, people are blamed for the disease, so research funding remains abysmally low and death rates high.

Sixty percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer have either never smoked or quit many years – or decades – earlier. I lost my spouse to this disease, who had not touched a cigarette in 23 years.

This bill begins to finally give lung cancer the attention and funding it deserves.

Lung Cancer Alliance is asking Congressman Mike Thompson to co-sponsor the bill. We ask that you call Thompson’s office (707-226-9898) and ask him to support the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act (HR 2112).

We at Lung Cancer Alliance believe that No One deserves lung cancer.

Gloria Hovde lives in Lower Lake.