Back from a break...

Competing responsibilities have kept me away for the past several weeks. A heavy work schedule and travel prevented my blogging efforts. As the summer cools and a more steady pace comes along, I've had time to notice that the epidemic of substance abuse has not slowed.
I am beginning to reassess my perspectives on the notions of addiction as well. I am coming to believe that, while narcotics and street drugs hold most attention, similar patterns are involved with perhaps a more widespread problem. At the risk of being considered eccentric (or worse), I find myself reflecting on the abuse of food! The media have recently noted predictions that the United States' obesity problem is expected to grow dramatically during coming years.
My personal experience with health problems, including weight, has brought this into a new focus as I've discussed my efforts to lose pounds and noted varied reactions from those around me. Some are supportive, but there is a concerted thread of near-hostility which seems based in the attitude of certain individuals that such thoughts are intruding on a vested human right.