Happy Happy Happy

Breitbart.com published an AP article outlining the states with the best "well-being". Utah topped the list because it "boasts lots of outdoor recreation for its youthful population." A comparative map is also available for those interested in finding out how Missouri ranks in comparison to other states. Sadly, the numbers do not reflect the "St Joe Proud" mentality that many boast about.

Missouri lacks in mental well-being, physical well-being, access to basic needs (such as housing, food, jobs, etc;), and health well-being.

I think the physical and health topics go hand in hand, and are extremely indicative of the lazy mentality that has taken over our region. Too many times I have asked my neighbors and friends what their weekend plans are and have been told that they are going to a friend or relative's house and will play cards, watch movies or otherwise be sedentary. Rarely, if ever, do I hear about any physical activity that may occur.

With our City pumping the benefit of the parkway system so heavily, I would think that our citizens would be encouraged to be more active. I understand it can be difficult to get off the toosh in the freezing winters or the hot summers to be outside. I think we need to lobby for indoor options.

A City-sponsored park & rec program coupled with various institutions (MWSU is one that comes to mind) could be instated that would allow residents to take part in reduced-cost recreational programs. Okay, folks, I'm not talking about MORE for the adults to do. We need to start with our youth. And not the YMCA (can anyone say "pricey"?). Discounted karate lessons, racquetball, badminton, dance, and swimming are some physical activities that can be held indoors. Instructors teaching classes at discounted rates would encourage parents to get their kids involved. Classes should be year-round (I've never understood why nearly all youth events stop during the summer months - but that is a whole other discussion).

Thinking to the great outdoors - why not encourage walkers to log their distances? The City should provide maps (readable, coherent maps) to hikers, mountain bikers, and walkers. A sidewalk system should be implemented to make it easier to travel throughout the city. I have found that there are several places throughout our town that are completed disconnected from any recreation (the northeast being one), and it can be difficult for both youths and adults to even GET to a recreational area. I detest having to load my bike in my car to take it to the parkway just to ride it, and would rather ride around my neighborhood. I cannot get to a local park without having to drive a minimum of 15 minutes. Whatever happened to neighborhood parks that residents could walk to?

I even think doctors and hospitals would rally together to promote a healthier lifestyle. The pound plunge is only one example, and a pretty poor one at that... really - encouraging walkers to walk around our mall? Puh-lease. Get these folks an indoor track or at least let them use the university's facilities.

Heck, maybe a non-smoking initiative would get Northwest Missouri to be leaders in the healthy lifestyle department.

Missouri fails tobacco report again

State gets poor marks on study for third year in a row
Click Here to Read Entire Article

Basically, our local News Press paper is highlighting how poorly Missouri handles tobacco prevention and control spending, smoke-free air, cigarette tax and health coverage.

As a follow up to my early post, it's certainly not surprising that (a) our representatives don't even want to try to resolve any smoking issues (Read Jim Guest's comment) and (b) that people who smoke don't see any problem with their nasty habit (check out the readers comments).

The solution is not always centered around money. Start with educating our children. Pass citywide and statewide laws banning smoking in public areas. Surely, people will be more influenced to smoke only in their own homes. And to be honest, I don't care what people do in their home. I just don't want to be exposed to the by-product of their disgusting, smelly, cancer-causing cigarette. Keep it to yourself.

Cancer Stix

Biris, Butts Cubebs, Fags, Gaspers, Puffs, Reefers, Smokes, Cancer Stix - whatever you call them, cigarettes are on their way "out".... or are they?

According to a study by the USCDC "It's unlikely the United States will meet its Healthy People 2010 objective of reducing the adult smoking rate to 12 percent or less, say experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

A recent debate has ensued about whether or not St Joseph is ready to take the leap to a "non-smoking" city.  Traditionally, the midwest has served as a smokers haven, and it is common knowledge that our citizens enjoy their right to enjoy a smoke anywhere they please.  Many smokers in fact do not believe that the smoke they exhale into the air affects anyone in their vicinity, nor does the smoke wafting from the tip of their cigarette.

Smoking is a leading cause of PREVENTABLE death and disease in the U.S.  Okay, so I'm not here to preach about whether one elects to smoke or not.  I don't care what you do in your living room.  I am here to push for an area where those who choose to have clean lungs won't have to be subjected to a hazy environment. 

I think it is time.  The people are ready to see the restaurants go smoke-free.  The children have deserved the honor of dining sans smoke.

A Massachusetts study found that "youths who lived in towns with strict bans were 40% less likely to become regular smokers than those in communities with no bans or weak ones."  Isn't this reason enough?

A business owner told me the other day "Smoking around food is disgusting."  This particular owner does not have a smoking area in their restaurant.  They have been in business for many years and the lack of a smoking and non-smoking side does not negatively impact their success.

C'mon folks.  Put down the cancer stix for an hour.  You can rush outside following your meal to suck down some smoke.  In the meantime... relax. Breathe some fresh air.  Enjoy your meal without the worry of smokers guilt.  Your community will thank you.

To the Saint Joseph community - let's band together and get an initiative passed that will allow diners to select any restaurant they choose, regardless of indoor air quality.