LETTERS: Weighing in on weight-loss stories, open space not so open

Weighing in on weight-loss stories

When will the responsibility of losing weight begin with a change in diet and exercise? The article "Cycling, brisk walks keep weight off, researchers find" describes a study of women who rode a bike for 5 minutes a day. It helped obese women lose a small amount of weight, and normal women maintained their weight, but there was no mention of their diet.

The article "3 meds target weight loss" reports on the testing of "weight loss" medications with "worrying side effects." What message is being sent here?

Quick-fix drugs are easy, but at what cost? Memory loss and diminished concentration are side effects of these drugs that should not be ignored.

As a nutritionist, I believe that without creating an awareness among our population of the necessity of proper nutrition, we are doing everyone a disservice.

Linda Fiveson, Syosset

For every ad that speaks of miracle weight loss, the government should demand equal TV time and print space should be given to the benefits of long-term behavior modification and intelligent nutrition. Sadly, that will never happen, as those techniques do not make windfall profits for the companies that purchase ads to sell the "dream" to us.

Stuart Leopold, Merrick

Compromise on wage

Regarding " 'Living wage' raise at risk" [News, July 15]: Nassau County called for a hold to a living wage increase - the highest in the state at 9 percent. A 9.5 percent increase was approved last year, and nearly 20 percent in two years debilitates Nassau County businesses. It's not workers forfeiting a $1 raise as Newsday's headline screamed, but a compromise.

Home health care employees earn an hourly rate, 12 compensated days off and an additional cost for a health benefit. A living wage increase to $14.15, including health benefit, plus the 12 compensated days off, puts jobs in jeopardy.

We urge the Nassau County Legislature to support the moratorium and let us continue to demonstrate our commitment to minimizing job loss and disruption to services in Nassau County.

Bob Callaghan, Selden

Editor's note: Bob Callaghan is spokesman for the Long Island Chapter of the New York State Association of Health Care Providers.

Volunteers serve our communities

Regarding "Misuse of funds not specific to firehouse," : As a wife and mother of volunteers, I commend all unpaid emergency responders.

Their willingness to stay up-to-date on the latest fire and emergency medical techniques and to use their knowledge for the betterment of their communities separates them from most citizens.

Alarms at 3 a.m. are answered by unpaid men and women who have a sense of service to the community.

Susie Festa, Massapequa