Today's Opinions

Gambling activity will continue to increase in Kentucky. This predicable increase is not part of any proposal to expand forms of currently legal gambling in the commonwealth. It is due to the nature of business. Because gambling will continue its inexorable growth, it is time - now - for Kentucky to address existing problem gambling issues.

The business operation of gambling in America is reflective of the nation's capitalist economy. This is instructive, not surprising. For any business to succeed, anywhere, it must align with the society in which it competes.

We all want to live a good long life. But let's be honest. We don't always take the care we should with our bodies. We don't eat right. We don't get enough exercise. We smoke.

And that takes its toll on our bodies ... specifically, our hearts.

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S.

And since 1963, each February has been declared as "American Heart Month" to help raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases.

A story in last week's News-Journal told the story of two men who have had heart attacks - and successful recoveries.

Campbellsville has a great opportunity with the smoke-free restaurant ordinance. We have the chance to level the playing field for our hospitality employees.

By making all restaurants 100 percent smoke-free, we can offer both our restaurant workers and patrons the same clean air found in many of Campbellsville office buildings. In order to do this, we must recognize that enclosed smoking rooms with separate ventilation do not work.