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6 Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, July 2, 2008 OPINION Breathing is something most of us take for granted. For some with chronic cardiac or respiratory condi- tions, being outside and active during the worst smog days of summer can be a life-or-death proposition. With each passing year, the number of premature deaths linked to exposure to our polluted air grows more staggering. According to a recent Ontario Medical Association (OMA) report, smog contributes to the premature deaths of 9,500 residents in the province each year. More than 1,000 of these Ontario deaths occur during or immedi- ately after periods of increased pollution, while the rest can be attributed to long-term, lifetime exposure to air pollutants. Last year, Haltons regional health department estimat- ed about 190 residents die prematurely each year because of polluted air. This year, the OMA has set Haltons figure at 336. The numbers reinforce the fact that the problem of smog is not confined to cities and industrial centres, said Dr. Ken Arnold, president of the OMA. A staggering number of premature deaths attributed to pollution were found across Ontario, showing that less-urban areas can be equally, and sometimes even more affected by smog than larger cities. OMA doctors want patients to be prepared this sum- mer so they can take the proper steps to protect their own health. On days when air pollution is high, it is rec- ommended to: reduce strenuous outdoor activities drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated stay in a cool, clean, air-conditioned environment speak to your physician about how best to manage your condition. To help track smog levels federal (www.airhealth.ca) and provincial (www.airqualityontario.com) government websites provide pollution monitoring programs that offer current and predicted pollution counts for specific geographical regions. The federal program, which recently added monitor- ing stations in Halton, also provides advice about how the general and at-risk populations should react to differ- ent levels of pollution. Clearing the air Steve Nease LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear editor, Eight years ago change came to Halton Hills when Cancer Assistance Services (CAShh) was formed. An organization built from grass- roots, just people helping people, has made a big difference to a spe- cial community. When one has can- cer in Halton Hills we have a choice, much to the envy of many commu- nities. Our specialized practical assistance makes life easier and less stressful to cancer patients and their families. Every dollar raised is des- ignated to patients, whether it be transportation, equipment, food supplement, relaxation therapy, etc. I wish to express gratitude and thanks to all the wonderful people who participated in the residential campaign, as area co-ordinators, team captains, canvassers, and those who delivered envelopes in Georgetown, Acton and surround- ing areas. The participants range from students to retired residents, and because of them we received more than $94,000, and still count- ing, from very generous communi- ties. I would like to give special thanks to a little girl Emma Andrews who collected beer bot- tles, as part of area cleanup, and donated the proceeds to CAShh. Also, it was brought to my attention that two little girls donated change because they wanted to give. Children are our future, and instill- ing in them generosity and compas- sion, at such a young age, tells me their parents should be very proud. CAShh was given a certificate for archery lessons and, from all the names of the students who can- vassed and walked delivering envelopes, one name was chosen to receive the lessons. That name is Taylor Begg. CAShh was the recipi- ent of three beautiful hand-made lap quilts, and from all the names of the adults who canvassed and walked delivering envelopes, three names were chosen to receive a quilt. Those names are Lori Sargent, Karen Leonard and Harry Vellinga. As we put another rung on our Ladder of Success, please be advised that CAShh is very proud to be pro- viding services for Halton Hills. Please visit the office at any time, visitors are always welcome. Anna Mae Moore, CAShh Residential Campaign Manager CAShh thank all who helped on campaign Letters to the editor must include an address and daytime telephone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 200 words and may be edited for content and/or length. E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1 Publisher Ken Nugent Advertising director Steve Foreman (sforeman@independentfreepress.com) Retail advertising manager Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@independentfreepress.com) Managing editor John McGhie (jmcghie@independentfreepress.com) Distribution manager Nancy Geissler (distribution@independentfreepress.com) ADVERTISING Advertising co-ordinator Jennifer Christie (jchristie@independentfreepress.com) Retail Sales: Jennifer Spencer (jspencer@independentfreepress.com) Brendan Louth (blouth@independentfreepress.com) Amy Sykes (features@independentfreepress.com) Andrea Lefebvre (alefebvre@independentfreepress.com) Brendon Stevenson (bstevenson@independentfreepress.com) Real estate: Sue Spizziri (realestate@independentfreepress.com) Classifieds: Kristie Pells (classified@independentfreepress.com) ACCOUNTING Rose Marie Gauthier, Michelle McEachern EDITORIAL Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@independentfreepress.com) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@independentfreepress.com) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@independentfreepress.com) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@independentfreepress.com) PRODUCTION: Mary Lou Foreman, Kevin Powell, Shelli Harrison, Dolores Black, Debbie MacDougall STAFF DIRECTORY Send us a letter! Phone: 905-873-0301 Fax: 905-873-0398www.independentfreepress.com Something bugging you? What do you think? Below are the results of our most recent online poll. For the current poll go to www.independentfreepress.com Where are you most likely to spend your sum- mer vacation? At home (73%) In the United States (0%) Somewhere in Canada (18%) Abroad (i.e. Europe, Caribbean, etc.) (9%) The Independent & Free Press is published Wednesday and Friday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. THE INDEPENDENT & FREE PRESS Dear editor, I was disappointed to read of the incident of fire at the cenotaph, but I was appalled to read the editorial, Lowest of the low (May 14). It was absolutely uncalled for and unacceptable to make the statement; actions of other not-so-accomplished youths are also highlighted. (in refer- ence to the fire, which has now been deemed likely an accident in the Wednesday, May 21 edition) ...we feel were safe in suggesting the recent spate of vandalism... was committed by young adults. Clearly, some consideration should be taken before making suggestions which demean the communitys young adults, who are the future. Even if the fire had not been an accident, the editorial had no grounds whatsoever to make accusations of youth in the community, especially in light of International Youth Week. I would like to applaud every recipient of a Youth Recognition Award from the Halton Hills Mayors Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC), a positive representation in the community. In addition to award recipients, kudos are owed to Tyara Woodrich for stepping up in defence of youth. At the May meeting of Halton Region Youth Advisory Committee, congratulations were offered on behalf of the committee to Ms. Woodrich for her well-writ- ten support in favour of Haltons youth. I feel an apology is owed to each and every youth in Halton for the publication of such a condescending, disgusting editorial truly the lowest of the low. Hillary Lutes, Committee member, Halton Region Youth Advisory Committee (HRYAC) Reader found vandalism editorial disgusting