Letters to the Editor

Tobacco around the world

On May 31 the World Health Organization sponsors World No Tobacco Day. In Montana and the U.S., education, policy initiatives and health-based legislation are changing the way we view tobacco's place in our society. People realize it makes little sense to allow tobacco companies to continue to profit from selling an addictive product that kills people.

While tobacco marketing is becoming restricted here, this is not the case in the rest of the world. China predicts that of the 300 million males now aged under 29, 200 million will become smokers. Those who live in developing countries are marketed to by associating tobacco with wealth, power and freedom. Women in these countries are told to "Find your voice," by lighting up a Virginia Slims cigarette despite the fact that about 10,000 people around the world die from tobacco every day. The World Bank estimated that health care costs associated with tobacco result in a global net loss of $200 billion per year, half of occurring in developing countries.

Many countries have already enacted or are considering smoke-free laws similar to Montana's. Please continue to support tobacco prevention here and abroad; it remains among the most cost-effective of all health interventions.

Gail Beckner and Dorothy Bradshaw

Tobacco Prevention Specialists

Lewis and Clark County Tobacco Use Prevention Program

Abstinence campaign wrong

The "abstinence-only" campaign is not accomplishing what it should, which is protecting the health of today's youth. It is actually putting their health at risk. Remember the May 6 IR article, "Ideology trumping science." It mentioned a published study that indicates abstinence-only education programs are promoting alternate forms of sex, like anal and oral sex, which carry a greater risk of STD infection. Something is missing, like comprehensive sex education programs. We need programs that teach facts, not lies and fear about sex and contraception. Talking about sex in a factual manner, informing teens about their bodies, choices, and responsibilities is not going to lead to promiscuity or loss of ideals. It will lead to informed young adults making healthy choices for themselves, including saving sex until marriage. In fact, studies show comprehensive sex education programs do not hasten the onset of sex and do not increase the frequency of sex. Personal ideals are important, but so are facts. We need to stop appropriating funds to abstinence-only programs and redirect those funds to comprehensive sex education programs. Let's arm today's youth with facts, let them balance facts with their ideals, and trust them to make healthy decisions.

Jennifer Pelej

1209 Stuart St.

Just smoke screen

All this fuss the Democrats are making about President Bush's judicial nominees is just a smoke screen to cover up why in their ideology these highly qualified judges are not fit to get an up or down vote on the senate floor like they have for the past 200 years.

It's because they are not pro-abortion. If they were pro-abortion, the Democrats would be falling all over each other to vote in favor of them.

One of the main reasons I am not a Democrat any more is because the leadership and a large majority of the Democratic membership worship at the altar of abortion, the murder of the most innocent among us, the unborn children. I don't know how any honest and good God-fearing Christian can vote and support this so-called Democratic Party as long as this is one of their main objectives, and what they consider a major factor for a judge to be qualified to sit on the bench.

Tim Popp

2690 Bandera Drive

East Helena

Blues thanked

On behalf of the Helena Indian Alliance and the Helena Native Community we would like to thank Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana for continuing our valuable health services partnership for another year. Your generous contribution of $15,000 this year will assist the Leo Pocha clinic with a significant upgrade to our medical information system and support for our diabetic prevention, treatment and drug programs. Your continued commitment to the health of Helena's Native Community is appreciated and deeply respected. We are honored to have your organization as one of our community partners and look forward to continuing our relationship in the future.

Mona Pocha

640 Mill Road

and the Helena Indian Alliance Board of Directors

Sponsors appreciated

The Central School Parent Council wishes to express our appreciation for the gracious donations by local individuals and businesses to the 2005 Central School Spaghetti Dinner and Raffle.

This year's event was held April 22 and was a tremendous success, thanks in large part to the following sponsors: Albertsons, Aunt Bonnie's Books, Ben Franklin Craft Store, Bert & Ernie's, Birds & Beasleys, Bobbie Pomroy, Hobby Town, Jackson Street Hair, Ken Saunders Jewelry, Lasso the Moon, Montana Book & Toy Company, Osco Drug (on North Montana), Real Food Store, Sylvan Learning Center, Target, The Pan Handler, Valley Farms, Van's Thriftway, Benny's, Lehrkinds Coca-Cola, Meadow Gold Dairy, Park Avenue Bakery, Safeway, Sweetgrass Bakery, Bill Ridgeway and Capital High Food Service. We owe thanks to all the Central School parents and staff who donated their time, money, and talents, as well. We would like to extend a special thanks to the Downtown Business Improvement District for their generous donations and ongoing support and partnership of Central School.

Our events would not be successful without the selfless giving of these valued sponsors, and we heartily thank them for their support. Please join us in recognizing their generous donations, and help us show our gratitude by patronizing their businesses.

Deena Verworn, president

Central School Parent Council

402 N. Warren

Second-hand smoke

I don't get it -- banning smoking in public places. I'm certain highways are public places. What about all those exhaust fumes? Isn't that stuff second-hand smoke?

John Work

100 S. Warren #201

Excellent care

Recently I had corrective hip surgery performed by Doctors Hunter and Michelotti of the Helena Orthopedic Clinic at St. Peter's Hospital. Follow-up care and physical therapy was at the Cooney Convalescent Center. The quality of care at St. Peter's was of the best, as was that at the Cooney Center.

From the laundry, housekeeping, dietary, activities, social service and especially the physical therapy, CNAs, LPNs (including those in training) and RNs at the Cooney Center, the care was exceptional. The concern by the staff for the residents was of the highest quality. I would hope the city of Helena and surrounding communities are aware of the services provided by these facilities.

Lucille Scharf

809 Fourth Street

Deer Lodge