LETTERS: R-J irresponsible with Ebola reporting

To the editor:

I was appalled at the Review-Journal’s front-page headline and picture on Oct. 5 (“Ebola comes to U.S.”). The juxtaposition of that headline with a completely unrelated photo of a little black child in Liberia being taken away by two scary guys in hazmat suits suggests this is what’s coming to the United States.

This was utterly irresponsible and seems cynically designed for sensationalism, in order to frighten people and sell newspapers. More responsible reporting on this disease is needed. I am disgusted by the Review-Journal’s poor judgment.

SHARON MURPHY

LAS VEGAS

Helicopter havoc

To the editor:

Regarding the article in the Real Estate Millions section on Lake Las Vegas (“Calmer Waters,” Sept. 28 Review-Journal), Gene Northup, Terry Connelly, Robb Beville and Cody Winterton have never acknowledged the three or four helicopter tour operators that fly over the communities of Bella Fiore and Villa Palermo. More than 140 flights pass over the fifth and sixth fairways of The Falls Golf Club each day.

The helicopters fly low, starting a half-hour before sunrise and ending late in the evening, after sunset. Every hour throughout the day, 15 or more helicopters fly over, creating so much noise and vibration that a conversation or phone call is interrupted until they pass, only to have the next 10 choppers — which sound like Japanese Zero airplanes — follow close behind. The noise can be heard from more than a mile away. The constant helicopter noise is anything but tranquil.

There is no such thing as quiet technology; this is a constant daily annoyance. This is very upsetting to the residents of Lake Las Vegas. I have more than 160 signatures and addresses on file complaining about the disturbance and disruption to the quality of life these tour operators create. We are looking for some peace and quiet.

JOSEPH A. MILLER

HENDERSON

Online doctors

To the editor:

Jennifer Robison’s article about online doctors is deceptive and misleading in a variety of areas (“Doctors on call, online” Oct. 5 Review-Journal). For example, the article states, “Online docs can prescribe antibiotics for cold sufferers.” The reality is that the viruses that cause colds are uniformly totally resistant to and unaffected by antibiotics. The terrible truth is that inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for the common cold has resulted in many people developing resistance to many antibiotics.

This phenomenon represents a serious medical problem when potent bacteria that are resistant to so many antibiotics are attacking susceptible individuals. For the Review-Journal to present such erroneous and dangerous material in a format masquerading as a reliable medical advance is inappropriate.

The article also noted that online doctors can prescribe insulin refills for diabetics. Insulin can be bought over the counter, with no prescription required. The article admires the prospect of a patient being able to access doctors and physician assistants on the Internet to discuss symptoms, and states that “there might be a diagnosis in simple cases.” What may seem “simple” on the Internet might in fact represent early findings in a serious medical condition.

We were always taught that any accurate diagnosis requires a careful history review and a careful, focused examination. Internet exposure could be the pathway to delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment and serious consequences.

ALAN W. FELD, M.D.

LAS VEGAS