Youngstown can be proud of medical-care quality

Youngstown can be proud of medical-care quality

I have benefited from ex- cellent medical care in Youngstown, and I again think how fruitless it would be to seek care at one of the “great medical centers.”

When, more than 10 years ago, I faced open-heart surgery, my Ann Arbor son urged the University of Michigan Hospital, my Cleveland daughter, the Cleveland Clinic, and my Boston daughter, Massachusetts General.

I selected Dr. Franco here, and the results are excellent. I have had two other major surgeries here, my wife two, my daughter one, and my daughter-in-law one. All of them have done well with very good results, and without complication or questionable late results.

My most threatening illness about three years ago — an acute streptococcal pneumonia with septicemia and septic shock — was treated very well and with prompt diagnosis by St. Elizabeth Health Center’s emergency staff and my geriatrician, Dr. Wilkins.

About a month ago, I fell and broke a hip in a parking lot. By my wish, I was taken to St. Elizabeth’s where I underwent successful surgical repair by the orthopedic surgeon of my choice. After a short hospital stay, and again by my choice, I transferred to the rehabilitation facility at Assumption Village.

This is the reason for this letter of thanks and praise.

I understood from talks with the physician-director there that the facility is less than three months in operation.

My room was fine and the care-staff friendly and professional — especially the head nurse. The physical therapy area was very well equipped, and the large staff of professionals was interested, well trained, psychologically apt and observant.

After my return home, there have been several home visits by professionals to assure my compliance and progress.

If you need any medical care, stay here in Youngstown.

R.B. McConnell M.D., Youngstown

Take time to remember

As we prepare for Memori- al Day, we must remember what it is, a day of remembrance. Too often, people look at Memorial Day as just another day off from school, or a day to have a sale, or a day to play baseball. Many say it is the “unofficial” start to summer.

Memorial Day can include these things, but it must include the remembrance of the veterans of the United States military who are no longer with us. Some of these brave men and women left home to defend our country and never returned. Others served, were discharged, and returned to their families to live long and happy lives. No matter how or when or why they are no longer with us, we must remember them.

Memorial Day should be a time of fun and good times, but we can celebrate because of the sacrifices of America’s sons and daughters who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

So before you go to the half-off sale or the picnic or the baseball game, take some time to go to the ceremonies of your community and honor our military heroes who are no longer with us.

And don’t forget to pause for the National Moment of Remembrance, which was established by the United States Congress and asks Americans, no matter where they are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day to pause for one minute in an act of national unity. The moment is not meant to replace Memorial Day, but is a way for all Americans, whether with family and friends or alone, to honor those who died for our freedom.

Jeff Vrabel Sr., Poland

The writer is past commander, Sons of The American Legion, Mahoning Valley Squadron 15.

I-80 remains a dangerous road

Last Monday we saw another multiple fatality on Interstate 80 in Hubbard Township, when three people stopped in traffic were hit from behind. There seems to be a pattern here that when it’s necessary to close a lane to repair the bridge overpass at Mt. Everett Road, there are serious and fatal accidents on this stretch of road. There have been at least four in the past six months.

Although all accidents cannot be prevented, as a regular traveler of this stretch of road between Belmont Avenue and state Route 62, I believe enough is not being done to help keep our travelers safe. A few days ago, I was traveling east and came upon abruptly stopped traffic, with no warning, as the lane change sign was miles ahead. There were brakes screeching and stunned drivers all around. Statistics have shown more safety measures are needed when work is being done. Maybe a sign five miles back warning of lane closure ahead, one flashing to reduce speed another announcing stopped or slow traffic ahead, then a merge sign.

With I-80 being one of the busiest interstates in the country and summer traffic approaching, let’s do everything we can to be safe.

Craig E. Callow, Mineral Ridge

All pay, everyone should benefit

Last Sunday’s column, “Re- publican hypocrisy palpable,” claims that since Congressman Boehner voted against the stimulus bill he should have refused any stimulus money being spent in his district. His district accepted stimulus money, therefore Boehner is an hypocrite.

The logic of this argument escapes me. The stimulus money is not a present from Santa. It is financed by a loan from China (and other nations) to the U.S. This loan will have to be repaid, with interest, by the U.S. taxpayers. Every congressional district, Democrat and Republican, will participate in the payback, regardless if they voted for or against the stimulus. I think it is hypocritical to expect Congressman Boehner to refuse accepting stimulus money for his district knowing that his constituents will have to pay it back with their tax money even if he refuses to accept it.

A. Z. Rabinowitz M.D., Liberty

Beware of unqualified contractors

It’s spring, and this is the time of year people engage in home improvements. I’ve noticed many signs in people’s yards and a flurry of general contractors replacing siding and roof shingles.

I’m writing is to enlighten people before choosing a contractor. In Ohio, general contractors are not required to be licensed or bonded. Therefore, almost anyone can operate out of his vehicle as a general contractor.

This area has been plagued with unscrupulous people who are unqualified doing shoddy work on homes, then leaving homeowners devastated. When it’s all over, the mess caused by these so-called contractors is called a civil matter. I think it should be called vandalism.

It’s time our political leaders start taking this kind of activity seriously. Laws need to be established to squash wannabe contractors. They need to enforce laws that require licensing and bonding. Just because a contractor has a business card doesn’t mean he’s qualified or insured, no matter what the card says. If a contractor does shoddy work that requires work to be done over, the contractor should face jail time. Also the contractor’s name should go on a predator list, so people will know about his bad business.

Your home loses its value when shoddy work is done on it. An established business with credentials may seem more expensive, but in the long run you will spend more money dealing with someone who doesn’t know what he’s doing.

If you are a victim of shoddy work or bad business practices, turn it in to the Better Business Bureau and the Ohio attorney general’s office. Save other people from being victimized.

BRENDA KENJEVARI, Youngstown