Letters and Comments for August 18, 2009

Letters and Comments for August 18, 2009

Don’t breach dams

To the Editor:

I wish to comment on the news item in the Aug. 9 Sunday Oregonian covering the possible breaching on the lower Snake River dams in the interest of restoring salmon runs.

They fail to mention the thousands of people who consider this one of the finest recreation areas in the country. The lakes formed by these dams produce excellent fishing for large trout, record catfish, small and large mouth bass, crappies and perch, all of which rival the enjoyment of salmon fishing.

Besides fishing, it is an excellent area providing boating and water sports of all kinds that would disappear if these dams were breached. Senior citizens like myself are unable to navigate the streams any more and this would be a great loss to us as well.

Please don’t breach these dams.

Dr. Alan L. Hall

La Grande

Better health for babies

To the Editor:

Getting help to get your newborn baby to latch to the breast within the first hour may be the key to longevity — not only for babies, but also for mothers.

Breastfeeding provides many health benefits and reduces the risk of infant mortality. As the World Health Organization recently reported (July 31), “Teaching new mothers to breastfeed could save 1.3 million children’s lives every year, but many women get no help and give up trying.”

Those who do breastfeed can expect not only better health for their babies but for themselves as well. “Women who breastfeed for a year or more were less likely to develop hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease when postmenopausal than women who were pregnant but never breastfed,” according to Obstetrics and Gynecology in the May 2009 issue. These women also show reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer. These findings are reasons to help support and educate not only women but health care providers and our society as to the risks of not breastfeeding.

The first week of August was World Breastfeeding Week. This year’s theme was “Breastfeeding, A Vital Emergency Response: Are You Ready? Focusing on the vital role of breastfeeding in emergency situations.” It’s a good time to remind new and expectant mothers about the vital importance of breastfeeding. And as we approach the threat of flu season, it is a reminder that breast milk offers immunities to babies. Please support policies that encourage and sustain this life-saving activity.

Dianne Gray

La Grande