Be Well
“Freedom isn’t free, it costs folks like you and me.”
–Trey Parker
My column is based on fitness and nutrition and the importance of how we utilize our bodies and minds in achieving the best health possible. So the quote I have used may not seem to align with that purpose, but bear with me and I will get there.
First of all, as we have just passed Memorial Day and as we celebrate and honor those who have fought for our country and made the ultimate sacrifice, it is almost overwhelming to actually contemplate the number of those who have done so.
Those numbers begin with the early settlers of this country and include those Native Americans who died protecting a country they believed to be theirs. Those who have perished in the many wars, beginning with the Revolutionary War, through many conflicts up to and including the current conflicts in the Middle East have given their lives in serving their country and fighting for our freedom. These heroes and all of our veterans hold a special place in our hearts for what they have endured and accomplished.
So, I was thinking of the term “freedom isn’t free” as it relates to other areas of our lives. During this pandemic we have lost some of the abilities to do things we enjoy doing – dining out, going to school and church, gathering for concerts, graduations, weddings and parties, and just visiting with our neighbors and friends.
Some people, however, have refused to follow the guidelines and many times the laws that have been put in place to help protect us all – in particular the most vulnerable of our population. They want, and sometimes demand, the “freedom” to not take precautions such as social distancing, wearing a mask, using sanitizers, and even self-isolating if necessary. They believe that their “freedom” should be “free” to do as they wish.
However, do some people have the right to blow cigarette smoke into another person’s face – thereby causing that person to inhale secondhand smoke? I think not.
Can a business establishment make a rule that a person must wear shoes and a shirt in order to dine or shop in their store? Of course they can.
And I do recall the concerns of many business owners when laws were passed a few years ago preventing smoking in public buildings; they were concerned they would lose customers. As far as I can see, people still dine out, shop, go to movies, etc. even though they are not allowed to smoke there. Additionally, people who were upset that they could not smoke in public establishments seemed to soon get over it. (For more information on what Americans have done to sacrifice through our World Wars and difficult times in this country, there are many resources available.)
Do we want freedom from the coronavirus? Of course! Are we willing to give up some “freedoms” for this outcome? I hope for the sake of our country that we can make a plan to at least use common sense.
Of course we need to open businesses. Of course kids need to get back to school. Of course our economy needs people to have the confidence to shop and leave their homes.
How about we just do the right thing for our health and for our prosperity? Practice social distancing! Wear the mask when you are in a public place or interacting with others! Wash and sanitize your hands! This is really not rocket science, but it IS science.
Thank you military heroes, thank you health care heroes, and thank you to everyone who takes responsibility for doing your part in this pandemic. Be well.
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.