According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, focusing on your heart has never been more important and here’s why; *Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. But you can do a lot to protect your heart.
All in Columns
Raney Rogers: Art is closer than you think
Smart Gallery is not just the newest addition to fine art galleries here in Kinston, it is so much more.
John Hood: Cooper Should Sign Riot Bill
Why did the North Carolina House vote overwhelmingly a few days ago to toughen penalties for those engaged in violent rioting? I’ll let Rep. Abe Jones of Wake County sum it up: “I despise somebody who would go out and tear up another person’s property that they didn’t pay for and take advantage of a situation — sometimes a very good protest — and then flip it.”
Mike Parker: We will celebrate our 51st anniversary on Saturday
Last year, Sandra and I celebrated our Golden Anniversary. The next day, we started on the path that would take us to number 51. If we both live until Saturday, we should achieve that goal.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Vegetables to Cook During the Winter Months
Just because fewer farmers’ markets and roadside stands are open during the winter months, it doesn’t mean there aren’t some good winter vegetables. Unfortunately, in the winter months we tend to use less fresh produce, thinking it’s not as available or as tasty.
John Hood: When Politics Enters the Workplace
Should businesses weigh in on political controversies? According to a recent Gallup poll, the general public is closely divided on the question, with 48% in favor and 52% opposed.
John Hood: Racial Disparities Aren’t Proof of Bias
Black-headed households are less likely than white-headed ones to own their residences. The latest data from the Census Bureau put the homeownership rate at 75% for whites and 45% for blacks. According to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, our state’s racial disparity is roughly similar.
Mike Parker: Kinston was a leader in Civil Rights movement
When most of us think of the Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina, our minds go immediately to the sit-ins at Woolworth’s in Greensboro in the 1960s. We think of Dr. King’s speech “I Have a Dream” delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Low Carb Super Bowl Party Snacks
Seems to me that Super Bowl parties are the “unofficial” diet breakers. Right when you get into the flow of eating healthy, here comes the Super bowl party and all of those fabulous recipes that come with it!! Traditional game day foods are crowd pleasers, but they can also be some of the worst foods for you health-wise.
Library Offers Mind Over Matter Mental Health Series
At the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, we see firsthand how stigma and misinformation surrounding mental health topics such as anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide prevents individuals from seeking assistance. The truth is that mental health issues affect millions of people everyday.
John Hood: Deaths of Despair Need Careful Analysis
According to the latest-available set of comparable data, North Carolina ranks 33rd in the nation in “deaths of despair” — that is, in the combined rates of suicides, fatal drug overdoses, and alcohol-induced deaths. In 2020 our age-adjusted rate was 55.5 deaths of despair per 100,000 residents, slightly higher than the national average of 54.8. From 2018 to 2020, our rate rose by 26%.
Mike Parker: Tiresome investigations waste government funds
I want to make plain that I am not against legitimate congressional hearings that investigate issues crucial to the citizens of our nation. Congress should explore ways to reduce prescription medication costs and reduce overall healthcare costs. Congress should investigate how various pieces of legislation will impact citizens, communities, and our nation.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Valentine’s Date night dinner at home
This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday night, not the ideal date night! Do yourself a favor, save the night out for later and cook at home!! Here are some tasty ideas for your sweetheart supper; there are also some delicious chocolate desserts to share!!
Meet Me Greene County: Melanie Morgan
Neuse News is beginning a series to introduce Greene County readers to some of the influential, interesting, and decision-making leaders of our community. Consider this “Meet Me Greene County” column a look into what makes Greene County the special place it is to live, work, and play. This installment features someone who impacts our entire region: Lenoir, Jones and Greene Counties. Let me introduce you to Melanie Morgan, the Director of the Neuse Regional Library System.
Christopher Nelson: Library Offers Winter Reads and Black History Month Programming
Neuse Regional Libraries are starting off the new year by providing awesome recreational adult programming for our community members. We have two monthly observances that we will celebrate in January and February, one of which is Winter Reads!
John Hood: Let's really reform state universities
Are North Carolina policymakers thinking big enough about the future of post-secondary education and training? I’m not convinced they are.
Mike Parker: Listening to my grandchildren a lesson in time travel
As many of you know, I have four adult grandchildren in their 20s. They are confronting the only reality of American life they have ever known, but I have lived through at least three or four transmutations of America – especially the American economy.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Fun Facts About Cilantro
Cilantro or Coriander Leaf, is one of the more polarizing herbs out there, however, believe it or not, it is also one of the most widely eaten herbs in the world. It is super versatile and can be used as an ingredient or a garnish.
John Hood: How North Carolina Can Expand Opportunity
Having enacted major reforms of North Carolina’s tax code, regulatory system, budgeting process, transportation funding, and education system over the past dozen years, what should the General Assembly do next?
Mike Parker: A special word of thanks to our local medical staff
Some of you may have noticed my column was not in last week’s edition of Neuse News. The reason for my dereliction of duty sprang from a host of medical appointments in preparation for total hip replacement surgery on January 5.