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Today’s children are the future

Children are the future. They keep a family’s lineage alive, generation following generation, carrying the tools they learn in their lives. As they grow, they are curious about the world around them, rambunctious and loud in play. They love unconditionally, trust. When they are grown, educated, and prepared to step into adult roles, they will share with the world what they have lived and learned from the generations who preceded them, the parents who raised them, the extended family that influenced them. They will teach, they will govern. What will your children, as adults, share ...

Forced unionization for refineries would mean higher gas prices

Our country was founded on the principles of opportunity, individual freedom and less government control. The ideals of less government and free markets have been successful strategies in American competitiveness for more than 200 years. Yet Ohio lawmakers are considering legislation — Ohio House Bill 235 — that could tip the scales, choose winners and losers and allow for additional government control. House Bill 235 would write into law specific hiring practices for privately-owned oil refineries, limiting who they can hire by mandating ratios of apprentice-trained employees. ...

Alzheimer’s not the only dementia

Thanks to breakthroughs in medicine and nutrition in recent years, we are living longer than ever before. But this increase in life expectancy also brings an increase in the number of diseases, injuries and impairments that affect older adults. With this in mind, we at the local Visiting Angels office in Salem have created this series of articles to keep our older population and their families informed and to offer some practical advice for meeting the challenges faced by seniors and those who care for them. ——— Dementia is the name for a group of cognitive disorders which can ...

Polysubstance use: Bad idea to mix drugs

Late in March, another well-known musician died from drug overdose. Published reports say there were “10 psychoactive substances and medications including marijuana, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines in his system.” (Treatment Magazine) The very important point to take away from this tragedy “is the co-occurring presence of opioids and benzodiazepines, an exceedingly dangerous combination that, research shows, has become increasingly common in overdose deaths.” The National Institute on Drug Abuse advises, “In 2019, 16 percent of overdose deaths ...

Common Milkweed seeds available at OSU Extension

LISBON — If you plant them they will come. Milkweed, that is! Milkweed and Monarch butterflies have an essential connection because the monarchs only lay their eggs on the leaves of the milkweed plant. The eggs hatch into caterpillars that eat the leaves for nourishment. Milkweed is the ...

When you recognize depression

A friend called me. I always perceive this person as positive, upbeat, with a sense of humor, a beautiful person. In fact, when Caller ID flashes the identity of this friend, I am immediately happy to hear the voice and talk for a while. So, when this friend said depression was a problem and asked if I could recommend someone to talk to, I was surprised. Given altruistic leanings, I immediately felt the need to help. I made a couple of suggestions. After I made sure that suicide was not an issue, I told my friend I am just a phone call away if I am needed. I will help any way that I ...