Healthier downtown
We would like to take this opportunity to commend Mr. Hardy, city officials and all of their support staff for their commitment to the revitalization of downtown Uniontown. The efforts of these individuals may help to improve the economy and promote additional tourism in the area, but they may also provide another important benefit to the residents of Fayette County. Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease rates are among the highest in Pennsylvania. It is important to take steps to combat these chronic diseases in our population. By creating a pedestrian friendly shopping environment in the downtown area, their work is enabling people to indirectly increase their physical activity, which may help to treat or prevent these chronic diseases. This change has already benefited many people as they take the time to walk up and down Main Street to admire the changes.
The senior citizen population in the downtown area now walks down the street to enjoy the beautiful fountains instead of staying confined to their buildings. While these increases in physical activity are small, they can have a significant impact on the health and well being of individuals in our area.
Increasing physical activity is not the only benefit to county residents. The farmer’s market that is being held on Saturday mornings is another important step to improving the health of Fayette County. While enticing people to downtown Uniontown, the farmer’s market also promotes an increase in fruits and vegetables in the diets of Fayette County citizens. According to the latest research, these fruits and vegetables are the key to weight maintenance and disease prevention.
New restaurants in the area will also provide people with additional choices that may enable them to make healthier choices than before. These increases in physical activity and improved dietary patterns may be modest, but small changes can make a large impact on the health status of our community. We can only hope that as the changes in Uniontown continue, our community will also change to a healthier one.
Kelly Loomis
Uniontown
The writer is a nutritionist with the Fayette County Community Action Agency and a member of the Fayette County Unhealthy Lifestyles Task Force.
Prayers still needed
Three years have passed since the terrorist attack on America that etched Sept. 11 in the consciousness of all literate peoples. Many died in America that day. Much died in America that day. Much died in the world.
American troops are dying in Iraq. Families and friends have felt the effects of the terrorists and of the war in Iraq.
The faces, eyes and demeanor of veterans who have been to Iraq tell the difference. The faces, eyes and demeanor of military men and women readying to depart for Iraq also speak of the difference war creates.
Peace has been shattered to a degree in this country. Sensitivity to security has been heightened. A sense of wariness exists. Security alerts, searches and surveillance are common in daily life now.
The time for prayer continues. We have prayed for the victims of the terrorist attacks in 2001. We have prayed for healing and for peace. We have prayed for an end to threats and for greater security in life.
The time for prayer continues for measured responses, measured thoughts, measured understanding. The time for prayer continues to resolve existing conflicts, to protect the lives of those defending this land.
The time for prayer continues for those who are innocent victims of war. And while the terrorist attack of 2001 continues to loom in peoples’ minds, and Iraq continues to dominate headlines, let us always remember the suffering in Kosovo and to pray for the victims and persecuted and uprooted there.
The answer to the question on the best way to deal with war is the answer to the question on the best way to deal with everything in life. Pray first with the greatest of seriousness.
Dealing with terror and terrorists is no easy task. Dealing with criminals and crime is no easy task. Whether it is terror in the home, in the community or international terror, peace and law must prevail.
Order is necessary for human life to exist and continue. In these times testing and revealing fundamental human values, authenticity of faith is necessary.
Those who know God somehow come to terms with war. Believers weep for the tragedies, pray for peace and know that terrorists must be brought to justice.
Men and women serving in the military and their families require daily support and daily prayers.
May God be merciful in these remaining days of 2004 and the years to come.
Father Rodney Torbic
St. George Serbian Orthodox Church
Carmichaels