Letters to the Editor: Memorial Day Summons Memories and Dreams

Editor, Times-Dispatch: For us old-time vets, Memorial Day means memories of WWII. It truly was a war of the world. Europe and the Pacific come to mind. But the conflict extended into the jungles of Burma, the deserts of North Africa, and other far-flung places.

Memorial Day holds memories of the horrific loss of life, the millions displaced from their homes, and the unthinkable: babies and toddlers accompanying their mothers into the gas chambers of Auschwitz and Flossenburg.

Sadly, since those bitter days, the children and grandchildren of WWII veterans also have had to fight in a succession of wars. So on this day, we ponder not only the past. We dream of a future where wars no longer will be fought, and the young can live out their lives in safety and peace. Frances Nunnally. Richmond. Editor, Times-Dispatch:

We need a study to find out how many studies are needed to evaluate the ballpark solution. Mike Giletto. Richmond. Editor, Times-Dispatch: A recent news story, "Smoking Law May Amount to Ban," states that the rules for compliance with Virginia's law, effective Dec. 1, are so costly some establishments may opt to go smoke-free. In a state steeped in tobacco history, this law was a victory for public health and could very well be a boon to the restaurant industry.

Secondhand smoke is a documented health hazard, killing thousands of people each year. It is estimated to cause between 1,000 and 1,700 deaths annually in Virginia.

As a practicing physician in Richmond, I have seen the devastating effects of secondhand smoke. I am proud our elected representatives have recognized this important health hazard and passed legislation to ban smoking in restaurants.

For those concerned about the economic health of our restaurants, countless studies on the economic impact of 100 percent smoke-free ordinances concluded that smoke-free rules for restaurants and bars have no negative impact -- and sometimes a positive impact -- on sales and employment. One year after New York City implemented its Smoke Free Air Act in 2003, city government reported that tax receipts from bars and restaurants were up 8.7 percent over the previous year. Additionally, employment in bars and restaurants increased.

The Virginia Department of Health estimates health care and other costs from exposure to secondhand smoke is $229 million. Clean air in our restaurants will increase business, enhance the dining experience, and reduce health care costs. Seems the only loser in this game might be revenues to those in the health care industry -- revenues I am personally happy to forfeit as a supporter of smoke-free-air legislation. Richard M. Hamrick, M.D. Richmond. Editor, Times-Dispatch: I have a simple solution to the long-term health care costs this country faces: Financially incentivize good health and exercise. With more than 100 million overweight or obese Americans, is it any wonder our health care system is overwhelmed and costs are out of control?

The obese are much more likely to have health complications such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancer, and stroke. These cost tens of thousands of dollars per patient to treat, while they would cost basically nothing to prevent through regular exercise. How many trillions of dollars can we save by just having healthier citizens?

Under my plan, employers would offer free health care to employees who were at their "goal" weight. They would then charge increasingly higher premiums for every 20 pounds employees were away from their ideal weight. As those employees subsequently lost weight, they'd see their premiums decrease immediately.

It's hard to see how employers wouldn't like this plan: The initial premiums would only be shifted among employees, so employers would be paying the same amount at the start of the program. As their employees got healthier, they'd theoretically be paying more, but the decrease in overall plan costs would likely negate that. Even if employer costs did increase, healthier, more productive workers, who take fewer sick days, would offset any slight increase in costs.

Employees would benefit dramatically, as they'd have real financial incentives to exercise and eat healthier food. It could potentially mean thousands of dollars in savings to them every year. They'd also quickly realize the benefits of living happier, more productive lives when not saddled with excess weight. I believe a plan such as this could transform our country and render the entire health care debate moot. We don't need better or more expensive health care; we just need healthier citizens Brad Barrett. Richmond.