Ebola scare

<p class="p1">The fear of an epidemic Ebola outbreak in the United States has most of us wondering about healthcare. Hopefully, this serious situation will soon be behind us.</p><p class="p1">On a personal note, my 13-year-old grandson in Jackson, Missouri, asked to be taken from school because he feared he was coming down with the disease. I am sure his concerns are felt by many, regardless of exposure.</p><p class="p1">Without any specific or medical expertise, I venture to state that obesity is a greater problem with Southern Illinois residents. Eating habits and lack of exercise are, no doubt, a leading cause of illness.</p><p class="p1">On a recent trip to my primary care doctor, I was told that as a result of diet and exercise I was no longer obese, "you are just fat." These are not the words to make me proud.</p><p class="p1">Health clubs, diet programs and even surgery promise to bring off the extra pounds. There are government regulations for calories to be labeled. Yet, we continue to consume more food than our bodies burn off.</p><p class="p1">So, next time you hear or read about Ebola, consider what you can do to protect your personal health now and in the future. </p>