Mr. Philip Friedman’s guest column (“What price rabbits,” Sun Newspapers, Thursday, Aug. 4) was a well-researched piece, similar to warnings found on all medication inserts. I believe all of his information is possible, but a check with the local public health agency will assure people that these are not current public health warnings. Rabbits, squirrels, birds, etc., have existed alongside the humans in Leisure World for almost 50 years. They are part of the charm of community living and give me the feeling of being retired, almost in the country, but with city conveniences.
Now, humans are what Mr. Friedman really needs to worry about. They pass on the common cold, influenza, HIV, hepatitis, conjunctivitis (pink-eye had a serious outbreak in Leisure World several years ago), and that’s just a few things you can get from interacting with your fellow humans. Car drivers and people on bicycles can be dangerous to your health also. I tripped and fell off of the curb while trying to avoid a lady driving an electrical scooter.
I garden (with gloves, I don’t want my manicure messed up) and I don’t want anyone putting poison in my dirt. My husband and I are active and often arrive home very late at night (2 a.m.) and I don’t want to surprise anyone who might have a gun in their hand (shooting rabbits or anything else).
I have some suggestions for Mr. Friedman’s well being:
1. Do not pet the rabbits (they don’t want human germs either).
2. Do not touch a rabbit carcass (call Leisure World Security).
3. Do not roll in the grass or walk around barefoot.
4. Wear gloves while gardening.
5. Do not shake hands with, kiss, or touch any human bodily fluids.
6. Wash hands frequently, disinfect door knobs, phones, and computer.
7. Join clubs or activities that keep your mind active.
8. Have friendly encounters often with friends and family (many studies show that this activity slows mortality rate).
Over 8,000 people live in the section of Seal Beach called Leisure World. We do not separate ourselves from our community; rather we are proud to be a part of this beautiful city by the beach. We enclose our neighborhood to better meet the particular needs of the elderly which has proven to be successful. Most of us suffer from some sort of medical problem that normal aging presents, but we have a wonderful percentage of folks in their 90s and even 100s who are still living active and happy lives. I love this city and we welcome anyone who wants to move to our section of the community (when you reach the magic age).
Marjorie Dodero is a resident of Mutual 9 in Seal Beach Leisure World.
