Despite the clanging of the critics, it is way past time for Sedalia to have an across-the-board indoor smoking ban. And when you look at those critics’ arguments, when you peel away all the puffery about individual rights and government intrusion and communism/socialism/fillintheblankism, what you are left with is selfishness.

Sedalia resident Anna Lee Bail was shocked when she looked in her mailbox in March and found a letter from Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, telling her state Rep. Stanley Cox had nominated her for the Senior Service Award.

Residents who use two wheels rather than four to get to work Friday may be rewarded during Bike to Work Day.

(NAPSI)—A delightful way to enjoy wholesome eating can start with your packing your plate with produce, including a dynamite little fruit—the Concord grape. Concord grapes are bold in taste and pack quite a nutritious punch. They can be enjoyed as 100% grape juice or in simple, healthy and flavor-packed recipes.

(NAPSI)—You may have heard that drinking 8-ounce glasses of water a day is good for your health. But what if the water you’re drinking isn’t as good for you as you think—due to drinking water contaminants?

(StatePoint) There may be some credence to the old saying that “beauty comes from within.” Scientific research shows that the appearance of your largest, most visible organ -- your skin -- can be directly affected by the vitamins, nutrients and minerals you feed your body.

(BPT) - Grapes from California are in abundant supply throughout the summer, which is welcome news for those seeking a healthy, refreshing snack. They’re also a boon to the home cook: grapes provide bright color, a sweet-tart flavor and a refreshing burst of juice to warm-weather dishes.

(BPT) - On average, working adults spend less than an hour per day socializing and relaxing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s American Time Use Survey. Yet a host of research – and common sense – tells us that spending time together in a social, relaxing way is essential to building and maintaining healthy relationships.

(BPT) - Sunnier skies and summertime fun are just around the corner, and with them comes plenty of outdoor activities like long days at the playground, sporting events and barbecues. With so many options, the last thing most people want to think about is household responsibilities … but all that outdoor fun can add up to a lot of laundry.

(StatePoint) Transitioning from high school to the next life stage can be a time of excitement for young people, but it can also be a time filled with uncertainty.

(StatePoint) La transición del bachillerato a la siguiente etapa de la vida puede ser una época emocionante para los jóvenes, pero también puede ser un tiempo lleno de incertidumbre.

(BPT) - While children long for the lazy carefree days of summer, many adults view the season as a reason to be active and get healthy. Whether it's to look good for an upcoming beach vacation or simply to have the energy to enjoy the season to the fullest, setting health goals is a great first step.

(BPT) - As people show more skin with the summer season, it is important to get into a skincare routine that fits your lifestyle. Extended time in the sun can result in unwanted wrinkles, blemishes and sagging skin, not to mention more serious consequences – melanomas, scarring and skin cancer.

I would like to address the concerns of business owners in Sedalia who believe that a smoke-free ordinance will hurt their business. Missouri peer-reviewed studies show that businesses such as restaurants and bars are not hurt by those policies; as a matter of fact, many have increased revenue.

(NAPSI)As summer approaches, many of us are looking to find healthy ways to cut calories from our daily diet without sacrificing flavor. Asian-inspired salads are a great choice for lunch or dinner since they are highly flavorful, versatile and packed with nutrients. With all these attractive qualities, youll find yourself indulging in guilt-free freshness all summer long!

(NAPSI)How much do you know about the honey bear bottle in your pantry? With recent confusion over pollen and filtration, the National Honey Board (NHB) wants to clarify any misconceptions surrounding this natural ingredient with harvesting, filtration and nutrition facts about honey. With more than 300 varietals of honey in the United States, honey adds its own unique profile to every recipe. Plus, honey has many benefits before and after it gets to the pantry.

(NAPSI)—Any time of year can be the right time to take a look at how you can maintain the health of your eyes. The good news is that there are simple steps you can follow to keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing your best.

(NAPSI)—Superfruits—fruits that are exceptionally rich in vitamins and antioxidants—are popular ingredients in a variety of healthy foods.

(NAPSI)—Your four-footed friends could benefit from your taking four important steps to keep your pets in peak condition.

(BPT) - As the population continues to age at an unprecedented rate, the concern about age-related eye disease comes more into focus.