Leading cause of death is still our own doing

Once again, it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, particularly those to improve our diet and exercise routine.

Although gun violence and traffic accidents remain the leading causes of death among young people, the most dangerous weapon for the rest of us is still our fork.

Well over a million of us are killed each year by high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other chronic diseases linked to our meat-based diet.

Times are changing. According to Gallup, 22% of American consumers are avoiding meat and 12% are avoiding dairy products. Supermarket chains, along with Target and Walmart, offer a growing selection of delicious and healthy plant-based meats and dairy products. Animal meat consumption has dropped by 8% in the past decade.

Hundreds of school, college, hospital, and corporate cafeterias have embraced Meatless Monday and vegan meals. Fast-food chains like Chipotle, Panera, Subway, Taco Bell, and White Castle, are rolling out vegan options.

Let’s make this New Year’s resolution about exploring the rich variety of plant-based entrees, lunch meats, cheeses, ice creams, and milks, as well as the more traditional green and yellow veggies. The internet offers tons of recipes and transition tips

—Shane Papadopolous

Salisbury

Change needed at the Rowan County Courthouse

On Dec. 21, I visited the District Attorney’s office at the Rowan County Justice Center. Frankly, I found the system of operations at the District Attorney’s office to be highly inefficient. To give background information on the situation, my fiancee received a traffic citation in regards to an accident in Kannapolis, NC on October 14. The originally scheduled court date was on Friday, December 18, but I did send in a fax 10 days prior to the court date indicating that we could not appear on that date.

In the same letter, I attached proof that my fiancee’s insurance fulfilled its duty to take financial responsibility for both the damages to her vehicle and the other vehicle. When I appeared at the District Attorney’s to hopefully take care of the matter on Monday, December 21, I was told that if we presented the insurance letter in court, the case would be dismissed. However, we have to appear in court to take care of the matter and the rescheduled court date of 2/4/16 non-negotiable.

For situations as simple as a traffic ticket, I think it would be more efficient if the Rowan County Justice Center would have an online system, similar to that in Forsyth County, where the accused may have their charges dismissed or even dispute the citation without ever having to appear in court. Considering the costs of hiring a private attorney and costs of insurance rates after one receives a traffic ticket, I sure hope as District Attorney that you would have a desire to serve the citizens of this community in such a way so as not to place any more financial hardship upon them than what is necessary.

–Chadwick Harvey

Kannapolis