Disgusted by spitting in public

Dear Annie: The other day. I wasworking from a cafe close to my house. As I sat there for a few hours. I saw a number of men spitting on the side-walk as they passed by. Men in dirty clothes. men in fancy suits. young men. old men—it seems to be a trait shared by all types of men. I find this habit disgusting. Why is it that men choose to spit in public so often? And what should I do if I see another drooling delinquent? - Wondering Woman

Dear Wondering Woman: You're in good company in your disgust. After his first visit to America. Charles Dickens lamented the "offensive end sickening" sight of men who "(spat) incessantly:" In Dick-ens' time, chewing tobacco was mostly to blame for the great expectoration. Nowadays. there's no definitive explana-tion. Boise State sociology professor Robert McCort says it most Mcely has to do with male pasturing It does seem that this Issue is socio' cultural and not biological, as there's no evidence that men produce more saliva than women If you sees 'drooling delin-quent.' you might offer him (or her!) a tissue.

Dear Arnie: I have never been more compelled to write than after reading your recent response to "P.U's the person concerned about a co-worker's bad hygiene. In your response. you indicated that the co-worker's mental health is not "P.U.'s” business. Based on the co-worker's reported outburst when confronted and informs-Hon from his wife that he was "off his medication," I strongly believe it is not only "P.U's" business but his obligation to report his observations to management. Too often. these early signs of potential vio-lence are missed and. as recent events around the country show. workplace tragedy fol-lows. I respectfully think you missed the mark on this one. -See Something. Say Something

Dear See Something. Say Something: Though P.U." said he'd already approached management to no avail. I should not have left it at that. You're right that the situa-tion is potentially dangerous and should be addressed with urgency Approaching the topic of another person's mental health requires agreat deal of care. especially if that person is an employee or colleague. And you should be careful not to engage in workplace dis-crimination based on mental illness — not only because that would be unethical but also because its prohibited in the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are worried about a co-worker's mental health, you can and should intervene, for everyone's safety. Implore human resources to enlist some outside help Dear Arnie: "P.U.'s' manager is ineffective. He should man-date an employee assistance program to provide counsel-ling and clearance before the man is snowed back to work -Prawn Tragedy Dear Prevent Tragedy: Thank you for the helpful informa-tion on employee assistance programs.