Letters to the Editor (Nov. 17)

Don’t penalize those who need meds

I’m 60 and in the last 20 years have had 10 surgeries, from cancer to a broken leg and others. I was prescribed OxyContin and Oxycodone with each operation. Except for bunions, I never finished the 30-day supply. I disposed of the drugs in a safe manner as soon as I could bear the pain.

I realize there are folks who have chronic pain that goes beyond a one-time operation. But if drug manufacturers are sued out of business, or doctors are too afraid to prescribe pain meds for fear of being sued themselves, who will make or prescribe the drugs needed for legitimate use? All because we have a small percentage of the population too stupid to stop taking these drugs before they get addicted. Or when they do get addicted can’t get the help to stop, which is not the drug manufacturers responsibility.

If we can’t sue gun manufacturers, whose product is designed to kill, then than why should anyone be allowed to sue the manufacturers of drugs that are designed to help but are being used in a manner for which they were never intended?

Bad outweighs good with Tyson

Economic development is a good thing only if those companies are good neighbors. Tyson won't be. They are the second-largest polluter in the U.S., which includes ground water, water run off from the brooder farms and airborne pathogens that include E. coli, along with a host off other allergens caused by the chicken urine and droppings.

Also, every time a truckload of chickens go to slaughter, we'll have feathers all over the area. That will be a minimum of 135 semis every day. Tyson will deplete natural resources such as ground water. Those of us who live in the county count on our ground water for drinking and recreation. Since 2000, Tyson has paid $75 million in fines from the EPA. This will affect every citizen in Sedgwick County if Tyson builds here and it will have long-term negative effects on the whole area.

Undervalued but important work

Public health workers are critical to our community. However, because they often labor in the trenches, working to prevent disease and promote health, they often don’t get the recognition they deserve.

Despite the many advances in medicine and the skill of physicians, the health of our citizens is greatly influenced by social and economic factors. Public health workers combat health inequities, including access to medical care.

Hurricanes this year in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico highlighted the crucial role public health workers play before and after disasters. Public health workers also are on the front lines in combating the opioid crisis.

Policies that promote and enable healthful living are key to lowering medical costs and improving outcomes. Public health workers and their partners – including nonprofit organizations such as Health ICT – encourage healthful eating and exercise.

As executive director of the Medical Society of Sedgwick County, I would like to recognize and thank the many dedicated public health workers in our community.

This story was originally published November 17, 2017 at 4:41 AM with the headline "Letters to the Editor (Nov. 17)."