Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Healthy or not? Rules keep changing

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, March 2, 2000 | 9:42 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Her column appears Thursdays. Reach her at deskin@vegas.com

What to believe?

Having been an inhabitant of this old Earth for a few-plus decades, I've become somewhat cynical about what is good for my well-being and what is not. The battle over fluoridation of our water is a good example. By the time this column is printed the Southern Nevada Water Authority will have fluoridated Las Vegas' tap water, unless vociferous opponents have their way. I haven't any idea whether fluoridation is a good idea, but there are plenty of people in opposition to the plan.

Who really knows? As with anything else, time will be the test. How many of us old-timers have seen today's truths become tomorrow's falsehoods? Remember when burning in the sun until a deep tan covered one's body was considered healthy? Now we are warned about skin cancer and sunblocks are a necessity to protect from the sun's rays.

Eggs, which were considered a healthy, ideal food, suddenly took on the role of the villain. But only last week reports of new egg research surfaced to prove that eggs might be healthy after all. A Howard University study found no significant increase in heart disease among healthy people who ate up to one egg a day. But the American Heart Association, while giving "serious consideration" to the new research, is taking a cautious approach. And chocolate? Chocaholics are ecstatic over the idea that their favorite concoction may have health benefits.

Most amazing of all the new studies is one that claims that cleanliness could be injurious to our health, absurd as it sounds. The researchers are probing into the benefits of good bacteria vs. bad. One research team at the University of Iowa is considering that worms may be beneficial to their human hosts. Ugh. Pass the soap and water.

In a more pleasant zone, a new health fad -- playing the harmonica to improve your health -- sounds intriguing. Patients at a heart and lung center in New Jersey are achieving astonishing results after learning to play the harmonica. This sounds simpler than having to grab a spray to help one's breathing. Having someone take out a harmonica and blow a few tunes couldn't be any more annoying than the insistent ringing of a cell phone.

Something that is healthful today could be harmful tomorrow. The bad can also return to the good. Your best bet? Moderation in all things.

Remember the Rhythmettes?

Former teacher Larry Spiglemyer remembers them as "the heart and soul of a school and a community for more than 30 years." They were a group of good-looking, academically talented students at Las Vegas High School who formed a dance and marching group that appeared at functions all over the United States and brought fame and recognition to Las Vegas.

Spiglemyer remembers their reviews from appearances in New York City, "where the girls dazzled a city not easily dazzled," he writes. "Without a doubt they were great because of their director, Evelyn Stuckey."

It's time Stuckey (as she was known) should be recognized for all those years of dedication to her girls, school and Las Vegas, by having a school named after her. (Spiglemyer's idea, with which I concur.) A petition to the School Board from all former Rhythmettes might get the ball rolling.