Opinion, Out and About

Out and About

July 16, 2025 | Sandi Kemp

I went to the post office last week and they were telling people to buy Forever Stamps because the price was going up in a few days. The price actually went up Monday to 78 cents for an up to 1 oz. letter. I went to the counter with “Priority Mail” and they told me it was expected to be delivered three days later. I asked why it wouldn’t be there in two days, hence, “Priority Mail?” The response was, “Priority Mail isn’t what it used to be, but at least it comes with tracking.”

Priority mail also saw a price increase, as did periodical permit mail. Basically, they can raise their prices, and downgrade the service because what else are you going to do? Well, with boxes, there is UPS and FedEx, so I may start shopping them to see if they are any better in price and service. Raising prices and lowering services would not be a sustainable model in the free market. But I guess if you are the government and you provide an essential service, you can do that.

A report that came out last week shocked me. JAMA Pediatrics found that nearly one in three adolescents and teens has prediabetes and the rate among 12- to 19-year-olds more than doubled between 1999–2002 and 2015–2018, jumping from 12% to 28%. In my opinion, this is a form of child abuse and parents are setting up their children for failure. Unless reversed, diabetes can cause many future health complications including heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, and nerve damage that could result in amputations.

The good news is that pre-diabetes and even diabetes can be reversed, but it requires the parent and the child to make some lifestyle changes that may be uncomfortable. And some people avoid being “uncomfortable” at all costs – to their own demise.

According to the CDC, this is what you can do if you find yourself with pre-diabetes: Ask your health care provider about your blood glucose (blood sugar) level. Always consult your physician.

If you are overweight, manage your weight. Being overweight puts you at risk for heart disease, stroke and other conditions.
Set a simple exercise routine. Sitting too much is all-around harmful for your body and mind, so find the time to get your body moving and stay in shape.
Eat meals that emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose healthy foods including non-starchy vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts; seafood; legumes; whole grains; and lean meats.
Watch your alcohol and processed-food intake. Alcohol, sodas, crackers, chips, and other boxed foods are full of empty calories.
Cut out added sugar. Watch for added sugars when you read food labels, limit sweets and mind how you prepare your coffee or tea.
Get restful sleep. Sleep deprivation may lead to insulin resistance, which can result in high blood glucose levels. Aim to get seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night.
Manage stress. When anxiety runs high, you’re more likely to skip exercise, mindlessly snack and make other unhealthy choices. Stress can also affect blood glucose levels.
Take your prescribed medications.

Quote of the Week: “Comfort is a drug. Once you get used to it, it becomes addicting. Give a weak person consistent stimulation, good food, cheap entertainment and they’ll throw their ambitions right out the window. The comfort zone is where dreams go and die.” Author Unknown

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