Thank you for providing Parade magazine to your readers. The weekly publication recently carried an important message for the public to hear. The Nov. 1 edition carried the story, "When Doctors Prescribe Exercise," by Dr. Ranit Mishori, which points the way to better health, improved quality of life and significant savings on health care.
Now, that is health-care reform we can all live with. As Dr. Mishori writes in the article, "Exercise really is a form of treatment -- in fact, probably the most important lifestyle treatment available." If there were a pill that was shown to prevent and treat chronic diseases ranging from obesity and diabetes to bone disease, cancer and depression, wouldn't it be the most popular prescription in the world? Physical activity and exercise provide those health benefits, at little or no cost and with highly desirable side effects.
In my work and in my personal life, I have repeatedly seen the remarkable health benefits of physical activity. It's true: exercise is medicine, as evidenced by studies, experts and results from real people. Thank you again for carrying Dr. Mishori's article. Let's hope readers take it to heart.
PETER H. BRUBAKER
PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND EXERCISE SCIENCE
DIRECTOR, HEALTH EXERCISE & LIFESTYLES PROGRAMS
WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
Winston-Salem
Uplifting letter
My sincerest appreciation to the Rev. Tom Rutledge for his uplifting letter "Never-ending surprises" (Oct. 28). In this busy, chaotic world, it was so refreshing to read his words reminding us of the four wonderful seasons God has given to us, especially in this part of the country.
We would all be well served to remember the blessings, large and small, that God bestows upon us. Sometimes the smallest things that we simply take for granted are truly the greatest.
Thanks to Rev. Rutledge for pointing out that all blessings do come from God.
DEBBIE N. HARRISON-CHURCH
Winston-Salem
Prayer is benevolent
I can't say I'm surprised by Magistrate Judge P. Trevor Sharp's recommendation against sectarian prayer ("Judge favors prayer ban," Nov. 10). But I certainly am disappointed. The entire affair suggests that too many are ignorant where prayer is concerned. I'd like to remedy that, but I'm afraid my voice may be much too weak.
Sectarian prayer is a benevolent act. There is no more benevolent act a human being can make than to ask his deity to bless an organization or another individual, for surely no human can bless as greatly as can his or her God. Certainly anyone offended by such an act of kindness does not understand.
I could only feel honored if a Muslim were to pray to Allah on my behalf, even though I am not Muslim, because I understand prayer.
On the other hand, nonsectarian prayer is a malicious act. Most religions I am familiar with and the one I am intimate with have guidelines for prayer. Offering a "generic" prayer to my God would more likely encourage his rage than his blessing, as it would suggest that he is not the God.
I will pray to God for understanding -- not only for society to understand prayer, but for him to understand and overlook that we don't -- and his continued blessings for all.
KIM WALKER
Hamptonville
Will raise business costs
As a business owner, I have to oppose the current health-care reform bill, H.R. 3962. The bill is poised to raise our business' health-care costs and increase our taxes, as well as cut benefits. It also has the potential to significantly alter or even eliminate our employees' present health-care insurance.
The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association recognizes the need for health-care reform and it has communicated to Congress its support of employer-based insurance, tax incentives to secure insurance, small-business insurance pooling, employee wellness programs and market-based reforms to expand competition and choice. Unfortunately, this bill includes none of these alternative health-care-reform solutions.
KYLE AGHA
NEW TOWN BISTRO
Winston-Salem
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