Hudson - Litchfield News
4 - April 23, 2010
The Word Around Town...
Letters to our Editor
In My Opinion...
Food Additives
by Asma Hussin
At last, spring is here and we can finally put
away our winter coats! Spring, however, doesn’t just bring green grass and warm weather. For some of us, it may also bring the expenses of purchasing spring time foods that include food additives. In the rise of the processed food industry, the use of food additives, such as preservatives and glazing agents, are added to food for added flavor, appeal, and good texture. However, should there be public policy put forth to render these food additives unsafe? Can they create possible health risks? Are we really spending money on foods that put our health at risk? Food additives are significant because without their use, the frequent occurrence of food poisoning would most likely increase, foods would be lost due to the microbial growth, and undesirable alterations in color, flavor, or nutrients would occur in our food. Some believe that since food additives are chemicals, the food that contains
chemicals should be banned because it puts forth health risks. Yet everything in the world, including us, contains chemicals. Water, oxygen, glucose, and salt are all considered chemicals. In examining the effects of additives, a nutrition scientist, Sarah Schenker, noted that “[some] additives, especially some of the colorants, have been linked with hyperactivity in children.” However, her presumed evidence of hyperactivity in children is anecdotal. According to Dr. Michael Jacobson, founder of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, “[the] considerable time between the production and the consumption of food today makes some use of preservatives necessary in order to prevent spoilage and undesirable alterations in color, flavor, or nutrients.” Food is sometimes lost because it spoils due to microbial growth prior to consumption. sodium benzoic and benzoic acid (both preservatives) are safe, and like the preservative, potassium sorbate, have been labeled safe by the leading food additive authority, Dr. Michael Jacobson. They are used in acidic foods and products for controlling bacteria, yeasts, mold, and other microbes. The excessive consumption of beverages, particularly Coca Cola and Pepsi Cola, which contain large amounts of phosphoric acid, should be limited, for it may cause calcium deficiency and lead to osteoporosis. However, it shouldn’t be prevented if it doesn’t cause harm when taken in moderate quantities. Food additives prevent spoilage and, therefore, last longer on the shelf. They
also give an appeal to the type of food they are used in. For instance, the use of flavors, thickeners, and colors are more appealing to consumers. The chemicals are proven safe by the FDA, unless used in high dosage levels.
If
the consumer exceeds intake; for example, drinking too much of a beverage that contains sodium benzoic, then they are causing self-inflicted damage to their body. What is important is what this says about the danger involved with excessiveness, rather than the danger of food additives. Recognizing this, we can conclude that high dosages of chemicals will inevitably lead to an unhealthy lifestyle and that moderation should be kept in mind.
Asma Hussin, a 2007 Alvirne graduate and Hudson resident, is a student in the
Honors Program at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell majoring in Political Science. She is also an intern for Massachusetts Congresswoman Niki Tsongas.
Reduce Oil
Consumption to Counter Russian Resurgence
During the past few
years, Russian oil revenues have generated a surplus of $500 billion, and Russia is using this money to rebuild and expand its military after many years of neglect. The refurbishment of the Russian military has been accompanied by a revival of the Cold War, and we are in the midst of a resurgence of Russia and its totalitarian machinations. The foray into Georgia
is an example of the mentality of the Russian leadership, and Russia might be rekindling a close relationship with Cuba, including the reopening of a sophisticated electronic intelligence gathering operation in Lourdes, Cuba. Russia has conducted talks with Cuba, Syria, and Vietnam on the use of naval bases, has sent naval forces to visit Venezuelan ports, and has promised to help Chavez develop a nuclear “energy”(?) program.
As the largest consumer of oil in the
world, we have to continue to reduce our oil consumption, which will help our economy and the environment, exert downward pressure on oil prices, and decrease the revenue going to Russia and other foreign countries. We need fuel-efficient vehicles, more alternative energy sources, increased domestic oil and natural gas production, and more nuclear power plants.
Donald A. Moskowitz - Londonderry
A Touching Story
I have just finished reading “This is My Hero Dad” by Doug Robinson. The story about Specialist Christopher Prunier and the reception he received when he visited Griffin Memorial School is one of the most touching stories I have ever read. To learn how he was treated when he visited the school and what the students did for him and his fellow soldiers by sending packages to them brought tears to my eyes as I read the story.
I LOVE ESCC BECAUSE...
"every single day I get to do fun activities!"
HIS PARENTS SAY, WE CHOSE ESCC BECAUSE
"…it is the best staff and school in all of New Hampshire!"
Specialist Prunier, as the story noted, is a true hero. Every resident of Litchfield should be proud of him and his service to our country. Town residents should also be proud of the students and the respect they have shown for the father of Paris Prunier, one of their classmates.
Gordon D. King - Laconia
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Random Act of Kindness
Every once in a
while, we are reminded that there are people in the world who go above and beyond being a good and kind person. I experienced that kindness and generosity this weekend. I think that the residents of Hudson need to know what kind of people live in our town. While checking out at a local bookstore, a woman behind me couldn’t help but overhear a conversation I was having with the store clerk. Being an educator, I was looking for a discount as I was purchasing materials for students. While the clerk was unable to accommodate my needs, the woman behind me stepped up and offered her credit card to pay for the first $50 of my purchase. I have to say that I was quite shocked; thrilled that someone would do this for our students, but still shocked! I questioned why she would do this, I thanked her, and I asked if she was sure that she wanted to make that donation. She just nodded her head and said, “Yes, thank you; it’s a good thing that you are doing.”
Although this donation came
Is Taxation ‘Fair?’
In a recent online discussion between representatives, one rather proudly left- leaning member of the House suggested that gaming was merely an attempt to allow some rich to avoid paying their “fair share” of taxes. This member was supported by others who used bold type to describe the need for those with wealth to pay a “fair share.” Apparently, these supporters of “fair” taxation really do not understand what a fair tax is. Webster’s 7th defines that word to mean “6: marked by impartiality and honesty.” Synonyms include impartiality, equitable, just. If we were to pay a “fair” share, then we would all pay exactly the same. That is what was envisioned by the NH Constitution in the equitable and proportionate clause. Rich or poor, all pay the same. That is fair and is the only fair share of taxation anywhere.
Under our current federal scheme of compulsorily taking, one cannot even consider using the word “fair.” Is it fair for a small percentage of the population to pay the vastly larger sums than the larger percentage of society pays? Is not that blatantly unfair taxation policy? Our current federal taxation is inherently unfair because not everyone contributes to the upkeep of the state. My warning to those who demand a “fair share” to be paid by all is that they may just get what they want, come November. The liberals on the left should be careful when using the word “fair.” That is, of course, unless they mean Webster’s other definition of fair 2: “superficially pleasing, specious in appearance.” Then again, perhaps that is exactly what is meant when a liberal demands a “fair share” – nothing of consequence, nothing equitable – just something that “has a false look of truth.”
Jordan G. Ulery - Hudson
anonymously, this kind person did tell me that she was a Hudson resident. I had indicated that I wanted to send her a thank-you note, to which she declined.
I talked about this with my husband during the whole ride home. My daughter called and I told her about it. My husband says I’ll be talking about this for the next two months, and I believe he’s right. Every once in a while, we are reminded that there are people in the world who go above and beyond being a good and kind person. I just thought that the residents of Hudson should know what kind of people live in our town. Thank you to the good and kind person who donated to the students of Hudson!
Elaine Yen, Reading Specialist, Dr. H.O Smith & Library Street Schools - Hudson
Willy Wonka Gratitude
The students from Hudson Memorial
School performed Willy Wonka this past weekend, and, once again, wowed their audiences with their spectacular talents. We would like to express our gratitude to all of the hard-working cast and crew that participated in this successful performance. We couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of them. We would also like to thank all of our parent volunteers that worked with us from start to finish. Many parents came together to work on sets, costumes, advertising, programs, concessions, ushering, greeting, box office, etc. They all did it with a smile and they are very much appreciated. We would also like to thank the music teachers: Diane Destrempe, Rob Scagnelli, and Mike Seckla, who put in so much time and effort. Another thank-you goes to the Hudson Memorial School administration that always supports our spring musicals. With a cast and crew of over 100 students, cooperation and teamwork are what is needed to succeed, and that is exactly what Hudson Memorial School has.
Carol Iannaco and Sue Weis - Hudson
Annual Rabies Clinic
Thanks and Appreciation
The GFWC Hudson Junior Woman’s
Club would like to thank Dr. Conti and the wonderful staff of the Hudson Animal Hospital who are always so willing to donate time on their day off for the Annual Rabies Clinic. We appreciate the support and assistance of the following individuals: Animal Control Officers Jana McMillan and Carole Whiting, Betsy Craig and the Alvirne Vet-Tech students, and Pam Bisbing and Chrissy Curtin of the Town Clerk’s office. As a reminder, all dog owners must register their dogs with the Town Clerk’s office no later than April 30 (per RSA 466:1). Thanks also to all the conscientious pet owners who came out in the rain to make sure their animals have the vaccines they need. The GFWC Hudson Junior Woman’s Club is a volunteer organization serving our community since 1967. The purpose of the club is to bring together women who are interested in building a better community (while making lasting friendships). By joining forces with others, we are able to make improvements within our community with greater impact than through individual efforts.
Guests are welcome to attend any meeting. For information on being a speaker at an upcoming meeting, or for additional information about this club, please e-mail
admin@hudsonjuniors.org (or visit www.hudsonjuniors.org).
Debbie Dunn, Hudson Junior Woman’s Club - Hudson
Combined Over 30 Years of Experience
We accept
CareCredit as a payment option.
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