Childhood obesity
This letter is in response to “In schools, BMI a weighty issue; Some parents say body fat measure hurts self-esteem, poses other risks” (Page 1, May 17).
The article raises some great questions as to how we can best contend with the growing problem of childhood obesity in the United States, and in Illinois specifically. Tribune reporter Julie Deardorff reports that many parents simply do not know that their child is overweight or obese. This is the case, and it is also true that many parents simply do not know how to prevent this state of affairs.
It is increasingly difficult to do so, as we hand out taxpayer subsidies to huge corporations like Monsanto and Cargill, which make junk-food ingredients like high fructose corn syrup with subsidized crops like corn and soy beans. Food containing these ingredients is easily available and, thanks to the subsidies we give big agribusinesses, easily affordable.
Childhood obesity is truly a problem in our country; the solution is not only to inform parents that their children are at risk but to stop funding those very companies and products that put them at risk with our tax dollars.
— Simon Creek, Chicago
Label foods
Regarding the Tribune’s endorsement of genetically modified foods (“Biotech crops and Europe: A losing battle against progress,” Editorial, May 11), it may be OK that these foods are sold at supermarkets, but it is not OK if they are not labeled as genetically modified. Consumers have a right to know what they are buying and eating. Europe is correct to go slow. Many believe it is too soon to know the long-term effects that genetically modified foods and Monsanto pesticides have on our long-term health and allergies.
— Michael Desjardins, Chicago
Food costs
Inflation has been diabolically sneaking up on us through the food chain. Check the net content weights on your food labels; you may be in for many nasty surprises.
For example, many canned and packaged foods that used to be in 1-pound (16-ounce) containers have been reduced to 14- or 15-counce containers, but there has been no reduction in the price.
I doubt any of this gets factored in to government cost-of-living statistics.
— Donald Froelich, Mount Prospect
The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program saves lives. The program provides free pap tests and mammograms to low-income women who are uninsured or underinsured. Women diagnosed through the program gain eligibility for comprehensive treatment services through the state Medicaid program.
Unfortunately, for the past several years, the program has sustained cuts that already result in long waiting lists and fewer women being served. Most recently, Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed an additional $3.3 million cut from the program in his budget this year. If these new cuts are implemented, thousands more women in Illinois will lose access to these crucial screening tests and potentially life-saving treatments.
While the Affordable Care Act will provide American women with greater access to preventive evidence-based cancer screenings and treatment services, gaps in coverage will still remain for women who are uninsured. For these women, access to screening and early detection programs can be lifesaving. That is why I urge the governor and all members of the Illinois General Assembly to fully fund and support this program.
— Efriam Juarez, volunteer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Chicago
Small bodies
This is in response to “Dealing with preemies” (Chicagoland Health & Family, May 15). The following sentence stood out: “There’s no such thing as too small of a person to care for.”
I remember seeing the “Prenatal Development” series at the Museum of Science and Industry. I don’t recall a “person” or “nonperson” designation.
A human body is a human body.
With the acceptance of abortion, our society has created an artificial category.
— Kathleen Gadarowski, Chicago
As an educator in our community, I’ve watched hundreds (maybe thousands) of students go through my school and go on to college, trade school or the military. More and more I’ve watched more of them go right into the workforce for jobs that don’t match their potential. They have few choices because they simply can’t afford the growing cost of college.
I’ve watched for months as Congress has failed to act to keep student-loan interest rates from doubling, and I’m embarrassed. I’m embarrassed that an issue as important to these children and the future of our economy as educating the next generation has become a political football.
So as we approach another graduation season, I’m asking fewer and fewer students what universities they’ll be attending in the fall. Instead, I’m trying to find an answer to the question they have for me: Why did I work so hard in high school to have my chance at a college education politicized?
I’ve been trying to answer that question for months now, and still no answer. But one thing I do know: I’ll be supporting the candidates who put my students before politics.
— Alison Ham, Arlington Heights
