I applaud your selections. Arthritis, the #1 crippler, Asthma, the #1 reason for school absenteeism, and Diabesity, the #1 contributor to morbidity and mortality in our society, are all critical health issue targets. By the way, I love the term- Diabesity. I used it in a recent lecture pointing out the likely outcome to a couple of my massage therapy students who bought 52 oz. sodas on their way to class. Certainly these medical problems share at their root cause “the fire within”, but it is easier for folks to get a grasp on disease entities that have a more familiar face to them. I wish you, and the coalition, success in being able to impact these problems on both ends, real prevention and alleviation of symptoms.

While our real focus must be on preservation of health, rather the catch-up game of treating disease, the reality is that there is dis-ease amongst our community and we must help where we can.

Dick Keller