LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

To the editor: Include dentists in health debate

11/14/2017
Dentists deserve recognition in attempting to provide a better health care system, writes Edward Usko.
Dentists deserve recognition in attempting to provide a better health care system, writes Edward Usko.

The Blade’s Nov. 8 article, “Study: Pain pills as good as opioids for relief in ERs,” is justified, but it is behind the times.

Dental studies for several years have established the reasons to use the non-opioid suggestions of the article.

My profession has pioneered local anesthetic, general anesthetic, and even radical facial reconstructive surgery.

My profession deserves some recognition in attempting to provide a better health care system. We only focus on fulfilling the needs of our patients. 

Investigate the role of federal agencies that have encouraged the prescription abuse.

EDWARD USKO, DDS

Southwyck Boulevard

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Native Americans would value parks

The recent proposal for a steep hike in National Park Service fees raises the question of an alternative way to run the parks.

The Trump Administration’s answer is to essentially destroy all of our national parks, public lands, and forests by mining and drilling, resulting in small energy gains and big corporate profits. A better solution is to allow Native Americans to run our country’s parks and federal lands. 

Is there any group of people that has more respect and love for our natural wonders? 

PAUL SZYMANOWSKI

Curtice

State needs to take fish kills seriously

The Ohio Department of Agriculture issued no fines for improper application of “fertilizer,” although there clearly was excessive application of animal waste that led to recent fish kills (Nov. 10, “3 people warned over state fish kills”).

At the minimum, I would like to see at least a nominal fine. While the Department of Natural Resources has imposed fines for the fish killed, the fines really understate the damage. 

The manure discharge must also have killed a number of insects and other invertebrates, which are creatures that work to improve and maintain water quality. 

The importance of these creatures should be recognized, and there should be a value assigned to them.

The damage is to the entire ecosystem, and the state needs to recognize this and impose appropriate fines.

FRANK MERRITT

Bretton Place