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We're Growing

Apart

Editor:

Constant communication about nothing - texting, instant messaging, etc. -- is transforming the very nature of our relationships. Its impact is considerable, since it is changing our idea of family, commitment and education.

Technology is taking over our lives, but not making them better. We are as dependent on these devices as the Romans were on their slaves.

When we give up things our brains used to do, like spelling and math, those parts of our brains are not being asked to do other more important things.

When we give up meaningful relationships for the banter of texting and IMing, we lose even more.

Being in touch 24 hours per day, every day, saying nothing, cheapens relationships, especially those between parents and children. The "most connected" generation is also the most alienated generation.

There is only one solution to the problem, and that is to insist, whenever we can, that everything gets turned off, at least for part of the day. Then we have a chance to put some humanity back in our lives.

Robert Kesten

Executive Director

Center for Screen-Time

Awareness .

Smoke-Free:

It's Time!

Editor:

More and more states are passing legislation to make most indoor public places smoke-free. I'd like to explain why and how American Cancer Society volunteers have championed this important public health measure for so long, and what you can do to help make it reality.

Why is this legislation so important? The mission of the American Cancer Society is to eliminate cancer and reduce the suffering it causes. Simply put, eliminating exposure to the poisons in tobacco is the No. 1 way to accomplish that mission.

Tobacco use causes many deadly diseases. The harmful chemicals in tobacco affect not only the user, but also anyone else who is exposed to smoke.

Food service workers have a 50 percent greater risk of dying from lung cancer than the general population. Thousands of Americans this year will lose their lives due to exposure to someone else's cigarette smoke.

Protecting public health is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government. With the dangers of second hand smoke being a proven health threat, as reported by the U.S. Surgeon General last year, our elected officials are obligated to act.

In reality, protecting public safety by reducing exposure to known health threats is nothing new. Laws relating to asbestos are a good example. Likewise, no citizen has the right to knowingly expose the public to these dangers.

So, how have American Cancer Society volunteers worked to influence this legislation? Through action!

Thousands of messages from American Cancer Society volunteers have hit the desks of lawmakers, urging them to pass comprehensive smoke-free legislation.

But the battle is far from over. Be assured that opponents are gearing up like never before, and in addition to our American Cancer Society volunteers, our representatives will need to hear from the silent majority who support smoke-free workplaces. In fact, it has never been more important to speak up.

We invite you to join in improving the safety of workers and citizens in public places. Contact your state representative and insist on the passage of the comprehensive, statewide smoke-free bill. Everyone's safety matters, and every voice counts.

Gretchen Tegeler

American Cancer Society

Happy, Healthy

Kids

To the editor:

Did you ever wonder if your child's behavior is "normal?"

Ever question whether your child would grow out of his or her bad habit?

Have you known you should be reacting to your child differently, but didn't know exactly how? Ever wish you had some suggestions for developing good character in your child? Ever find yourself just wishing you had a little guidance?

Parenting is the toughest job we'll ever be asked to do, and definitely the most important!

At 6 pm on Tuesday (April 22), Cameron County Christian Center is hosting a presentation on "How to Grow Happy, Healthy Kids." The center is in the former Fourth Street School. Refreshments and child care will be provided.

Deb Eckenroth will be speaking from 6-8 on a variety of child development topics, including answers to the above questions and many more. Deb, a psychologist with Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9, has worked with children and families in a four-county area for 28 years.

Her talks are interesting because kids are interesting, and she uses plenty of illustrations to color her points. Deb notes that making one or two changes in our parenting practices can have a huge impact upon the child's attitude and behavior, and therefore on the peace and harmony in our home.

Ever wonder what causes stress in kids and what to do about it? Ever have a family member suggest your child shows symptoms of a particular disorder and wish you knew more?

Do you want to know how to minimize the negative effects upon your child of separation or divorce? Ever wish you knew how to stimulate brain development in your child? Have you wished you knew a fresh approach to discipline? Just need a pep talk?

Parents, grandparents, or parents-to-be: you'll be warmly welcomed.

Rev. Rock Pifer Cameron County

Christian Center

Emporium

Autism Awareness

Month

To the editor:

North Central Pa. Autism Support Group is celebrating April as Autism Awareness Month with many events.

There are coloring contests, poster contests, and window displays at Woodland Elementary, along with a T-shirt design contest at Cameron County High School. The winning design will be used by the group to make their official awareness T-shirt.

This Saturday, participating local Emporium business owners will have windows decorated with autism awareness designs such as puzzle pieces, awareness ribbons, and the names and handprints of the children involved in the support group. The windows will remain painted until April 26.

The group invites you to come downtown and view the beautiful designs and also to join them on April 26 from 11 am until 1 pm on the corner of Fourth and Broad streets, in front of Northwest Savings Bank, for a Fred Guido hot sausage sandwich and/or hot dog. Get a great meal and learn more about autism.

To learn how you can help or for autism information, please call me at 486-3034 or go to the website: autismhelp. weebly.com.

Mary Lee Uber

Emporium