Speak Out: Kidney disease, mental health

Finally this is what I have been waiting for — someone to write about kidney disease. Francine Knowles wrote an article that addresses the problem in the newspaper. Like she stated, African Americans have been hard hit by the often deadly condition. I personally think there hasn’t been enough emphasis on the topic. As stated in Knowles’ column, diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the main contributors. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor to make sure you are doing everything to prevent this terrible disease.

BJ, Hazel Crest

It seems that mental health is not a priority in this country. . . Mental health can be hampered in many ways, including childbirth, trauma, drug abuse or alcoholism. We need to stop being so judgmental and start being more compassionate. The mental health system seems to be disgusting and abusive. The only way it will change is when we demand change.

Because we are in what seems to be a continuous cycle of elections and members of Congress seem to be more worried about their jobs than making some decisions on our behalf, maybe we need to trade in our republic for all, for a democracy and put an issue like healthcare on a ballot and let us vote. The ridiculous degree of partisanship is accomplishing nothing but dysfunction.

Tinley Park

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Speak Out allows readers to comment on the issues of the day. Email Speak Out at speakout@southtownstar.com or call 312-222-2427. Please limit comments to 30 seconds or about 120 words and give your first name and your hometown.