Jerry Smith

far- fetched inaccuracy; possibly in the past but not now.

In her column, Maureen Downey shared a composition by one Camila Knowles maintaining there is no evidence that starting the school year as early as July 31 or Aug. 1 improves academic outcome. Knowles’ comments are informative. Let’s leave it up to those functioning in this area to decide.

Whatever, we are beginning the school year and with it the athletic activities and extra- curriculars are about to begin in full- swing. And don’t many of the readers remember when school days began after Labor Day and ended before Memorial Day. Those days are no longer. Two dreaded health disorders: Most of us humans don’t get to choose our physical or mental disorders. This is especially true in older years. At age 83, there is thankfulness to an Eternal God for the health and well- being I have enjoyed all these years. That doesn’t mean there hasn’t been needed attention given to various ailments along the way ( drop- attacks, for instance).

With light- heartiness – but accurate appraisal – I have told doctors when in their examination room that whatever I imagined was wrong with me or what care I thought I needed, all I needed to do was come to his or her waiting room and sit for two hours and my ailments would take their flight. I realize that is an over oversimplification of the matter but there is great effect in seeing the plight of others and realizing just how well- off one might be.

Recent visits to primary caregiver Dr. Max Parrott and then to Neurologist Dr. William Naguszewski